Former England and Surrey batter Graham Thorpe has died aged 55, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has announced.
A formidable left-hander who played in 100 Tests and 82 one-day internationals for his country between 1993 and 2005, Thorpe’s 6,744 Test runs for England featured 16 centuries. He later took up coaching roles with New South Wales, Surrey and, between 2010 and 2022, England.
“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,” the ECB said in a statement, adding that there were “no appropriate words” to describe its “deep shock”.
“His skill was unquestioned and his abilities and achievements across a 13-year international career brought so much happiness to his team-mates and England and Surrey CCC supporters alike.”
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: Cricket in mourning
“Later, as a coach, he guided the best England men’s talent to some incredible victories across all formats of the game,” the ECB said.
“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.”
Thorpe spent his entire playing career at Surrey from 1988, hitting 1,132 runs in 1989 – an average of more than 45 – to earn England selection.
On his Test debut against Australia in 1993, Thorpe scored an unbeaten 114 in the second innings of. His highest Test score was 200 not out, against New Zealand in 2002.
It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of Surrey and England legend Graham Thorpe, MBE.
Everyone associated with the Club is devastated by the tragic news of Graham’s death. PIC.TWITTER.COM/GXHCBLK953
— Surrey Cricket (@surreycricket) AUGUST 5, 2024
Surrey pay tribute to Thorpe
“There is an overwhelming sadness that he will not walk through the gates of the Oval again,” said Surrey Chair Oli Slipper, calling Thorpe “one of the great sons” of the club.
“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. He will be so sorely missed.”
Surrey Ceo Steve Elworthy added: “Everyone associated with the club is devastated by the tragic news of Graham’s passing.
“He achieved remarkable feats for club and country and was a hero to so many cricket fans.”
Thorpe was named Afghanistan head coach in March 2022 but was hospitalised by a serious illness before being able to take the role.
