Former England cricketer Graham Thorpe dies aged 55
ITV News Correspondent Martha Fairlie takes a look back at Graham Thorpe's career after the announcement of his death
Former England batter Graham Thorpe has died at the age of 55, the England and Wales Cricket Board has announced.
Thorpe won 100 Test caps during a stellar England career and was regarded as one of the best batters of his generation, with his international exploits running alongside a 17-year spell with his county side Surrey.
He made his international debut in 1993 and scored a century on his first Ashes appearance, becoming the first England player to do so in 20 years.
His final Test appearance came in June 2005 before he was omitted from that summer’s victorious Ashes series and called time on his international career.
“It is with great sadness that we share the news that Graham Thorpe, MBE, has passed away,” the ECB said.
“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 team-mates 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.”
Thorpe stayed in the game after his retirement from playing, moving to New South Wales where he worked with a young Steve Smith and David Warner.
He returned to work with England between 2010 and 2022.
Thorpe took charge of his country in the familiar surroundings of the Sydney Cricket Ground after Chris Silverwood was laid low by coronavirus, securing a nailbiting draw to avoid a seemingly inevitable Ashes whitewash.
Michael Vaughan, who captained Thorpe towards the end of his Test career, wrote on X: “RIP Thorpey.
"Thanks for all the advice throughout my career, you were a great player and a brilliant team-mate.
"You have gone far too young but you leave as an England cricket legend… Thoughts with all who knew Thorpey and to all the family xxx.”
Captain of the England Test team, Ben Stokes OBE, posted a picture of Graham Thorpe on X.
England cricket player Ben Duckett posted on X: "Heartbreaking to see Thorpey has passed away.
"He was one of my heroes growing up and I was fortunate to work with him.
"My thoughts go out to all of his friends and family during this tough time."
Former England player Darren Gough also paid tribute to Thorpe, writing on X: "Such heartbreaking news to wake up to this morning.
"A great player who I was lucky enough to have as a team mate so many times. I'll miss you Thorpey.
"Thought with his family and everyone at Surrey CCC. RIP."
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