Cricket Mourns the Passing of Legendary Batter Graham Thorpe
August 5, 2024 – The cricket world is in a state of profound sorrow as it bids farewell to the iconic Graham Thorpe, the former England and Surrey batter who has passed away at the age of 55. Thorpe, a beloved figure in the sport, was taken “seriously ill” in 2022, shortly after being named as Afghanistan’s head coach, and his untimely demise has left the cricketing community in a state of deep mourning.
Thorpe, who played 100 Tests for England between 1993 and 2005, was a true master of the game, amassing 6,744 Test runs with 16 centuries to his name. He also represented England 82 times in one-day internationals, showcasing his versatility and adaptability as a player. During his illustrious county career with Surrey, Thorpe scored an impressive 20,000 runs, cementing his status as one of the finest batters to have graced the club cricket scene.
Beyond his remarkable on-field achievements, Thorpe was also a respected and admired figure in the coaching realm. He joined the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) in 2010 as the lead batting coach, and later served as an assistant coach to Chris Silverwood, guiding the national team to numerous victories across all formats of the game. His expertise and mentorship were invaluable in shaping the careers of many young cricketers.
The news of Thorpe’s passing has been met with an outpouring of grief from the cricket community. Ben Stokes, the England captain, took to social media to express his heartfelt condolences, stating that the “cricket world is in mourning today.” The ECB, in its official statement, described Thorpe as “one of England’s finest-ever batters” and a “beloved member of the cricket family.”
“The cricket world is in mourning today.”
- Ben Stokes, England Captain
Surrey, Thorpe’s home county, where he spent his entire professional career, also paid tribute to their beloved son. Oli Slipper, the club’s chair, spoke of the “overwhelming sadness” that Thorpe will not walk through the gates of the Oval again, calling him a “legend of Surrey” who brought immense pride to the club.
As the cricketing world mourns the loss of this exceptional player and coach, the legacy of Graham Thorpe will undoubtedly live on, inspiring generations of cricketers and fans alike. His contributions to the sport, both on and off the field, have left an indelible mark, and he will be deeply missed by all those who had the privilege of witnessing his brilliance and experiencing his unwavering passion for the game.
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