Former England Cricketer Graham Thorpe passes away aged 55

Former England batter and coach Graham Thorpe passed away at the age of 55. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has confirmed the tragic news on Monday, August 5. Thorpe was known for his exceptional skills as a left-handed batter.

With a career spanning 13 years, Thorpe played 100 Test matches for England, scoring 6744 runs with the help of 16 centuries before retiring from the game in 2005. One of England's iconic figures, Thorpe, also featured in 83 ODIs, amassing 2380 runs, and had the honor of captaining the England cricket team on three occasions.

England cricket icon Graham Thorpe passes away at 55

In addition to his playing career, Thorpe made significant contributions as a coach, serving in various roles for the England cricket team from 2010 to 2022. His death comes two years after he was reported to have fallen seriously ill and underwent treatment in a hospital in the UK.

In 2022, the Players Cricket Association (PCA) released a statement on behalf of Thorpe’s family and said that the former left-handed batter had “fallen seriously ill” at the time and was in the hospital to receive treatment. The PCA also revealed that “Thorpe’s prognosis is unclear at this stage.”.

Meanwhile, the ECB expressed deep sorrow on the demise of Thorpe while hailing his legacy as one of the finest players of his generation and his impactful coaching career with the England team.

We'll always remember Graham for his extraordinary contributions to the game: ECB

The ECB said in an official statement: “There seem to be no appropriate words to describe the deep shock we feel at Graham's death. More than one of England’s finest-ever batters, he was a beloved member of the cricket family and revered by fans all over the world. His skill was unquestioned, and his abilities and achievements across a 13-year international career brought so much happiness to his teammates and England and Surrey CCC supporters alike.

Later, as a coach, he guided the best England men's talent to some incredible victories across all formats of the game. The cricket world is in mourning today. Our hearts go out to his wife Amanda, his children, father Geoff, and all of his family and friends during this unimaginably difficult time. We will always remember Graham for his extraordinary contributions to the sport.”

It is with great sadness that we share the news that Graham Thorpe, MBE, has passed away.

There seem to be no appropriate words to describe the deep shock we feel at Graham's death. pic.twitter.com/VMXqxVJJCh

— England and Wales Cricket Board (@ECB_cricket) August 5, 2024

Graham Thorpe is one of the great sons of Surrey: Surrey Cricket Club

Thorpe was also a standout performer at the county level, amassing 21,937 runs for Surrey in First-Class cricket. He made 49 centuries at an impressive average of 45.04. He has also 10871 runs in List-A cricket in 354 matches to his name. Meanwhile, the Chair of Surrey Cricket Club, Oli Slipper, also paid tribute to Thorpe by hailing him as one of the great sons of Surrey.

Oli Slipper said in a statement: “Graham is one of the great sons of Surrey, and there is an overwhelming sadness that he will not walk through the gates of the Oval again. He is a legend of Surrey and brought great pride to the club wearing both the Three Feathers and the Three Lions. He made outstanding contributions to the club as a cricketer and as a man, and he will be so sorely missed.”