Graham Thorpe, former England and Surrey batter, dies aged 55

"There seem to be no appropriate words to describe the deep shock we feel at Graham's death," an ECB statement read on Monday (August 5)

George Dobell | 05/08/2024 at 08:46

Cricket has been plunged into mourning by the news that former England and Surrey batter Graham Thorpe has died. He was 55.

Thorpe, hugely popular and respected, was arguably the most complete England batter of his generation. After making a century on Test debut (the first England player to do so in 20 years) against Australia in 1993, he went on to be a beacon of excellence in a generally lean period for the national side. In all, he played 100 Tests and averaged a fraction under 45.

He featured in some notable victories, too. Notably, he scored the winning runs in the dark in Karachi in December 2000 as England secured a first series victory in Pakistan in 39 years.

With his playing career over, he successfully transitioned into coaching. He spent three years with New South Wales and two more with Surrey before being named the ECB's national lead batting coach. In time, he was promoted to be assistant coach of the senior side and had two spells as interim head coach: once in the Covid summer of 2020 when he took charge of a T20 series against Pakistan and once for the 2021-22 Ashes Test in Melbourne when head coach, Chris Silverwood, was self-isolating.

He was, like most of the coaching staff from that tour, sacked shortly after that tour. An unfortunate video which showed the police called to break up a late-night drinking session probably did him few favours.

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Thorpe celebrates an Ashes hundred in Perth (Ben Radford/ALLSPORT

He was named Afghanistan's head coach in March 2022 but became unwell before he could take up the post.

"It is with great sadness that we share the news that Graham Thorpe, MBE, has passed away," the ECB said in a 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."

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More recently, Thorpe had a stint coaching England men (Gareth Copley/Getty Images)

Those words were echoed by Oli Slipper, the chair of Surrey CCC.

"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."

Steve Elworthy, the CEO at the club, asked that the "privacy of the family" was respected.

"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.

"Our thoughts and condolences are with Graham's family and friends, to whom we will offer any support that we are able to. We ask that everyone respects the privacy of the family at this incredibly difficult time."