Graham Paul Thorpe MBE, former England cricketer and coach, has passed away just days after celebrating his 55th birthday. Thorpe, who had an illustrious career representing England in 100 Test matches and 82 One Day Internationals, was a cornerstone of English cricket throughout the 1990s and early 2000s.
Born on August 1, 1969, in Farnham, Surrey, Thorpe began his first-class cricket career with Surrey County Cricket Club in 1988. His international debut came five years later, in 1993, when he marked the occasion with a century against Australia in his first Test match. This performance was a harbinger of the remarkable career that lay ahead.
Thorpe’s tenure with the England cricket team was marked by consistency and resilience. Known for his technically sound batting and calm demeanour under pressure, he amassed 6,744 runs in Test cricket at an average of 44.66, including 16 centuries and 39 half-centuries. In One Day Internationals, he scored 2,380 runs at an average of 37.18, including 21 fifties.
His contributions extended beyond his playing career. After retiring from international cricket in 2005, Thorpe transitioned into coaching, where he continued to impact the game positively. He served as a batting coach for the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and was instrumental in nurturing young talent and guiding seasoned players.
Thorpe’s legacy is also enshrined in his MBE, which was awarded in recognition of his services to cricket. His passing has left a significant void in the cricketing community, with tributes pouring in from former teammates, players he coached, and fans worldwide.
In a statement, Surrey County Cricket Club said: “The passing of Graham Thorpe, a true legend of the game and a beloved figure in the Surrey family deeply saddens us. His contributions to cricket, both on and off the field, have been immense, and he will be sorely missed.”
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) also expressed their condolences: “Graham Thorpe was one of the finest batsmen of his generation and a dedicated coach. His impact on English cricket was profound, and his memory will live on in the many players he inspired and mentored.
Thorpe’s career was not without its challenges, including battles with personal issues and health problems, but his resilience and dedication to the sport remained unwavering.
Graham Thorpe is survived by his family, who have requested privacy during this difficult time. Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced in the coming days.
The cricketing world mourns the loss of one of its greats, remembering Graham Thorpe not just for his runs and records, but for his spirit, mentorship, and the indelible mark he left on the game.
