News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/5th August 2024
The cricketing world is mourning the loss of Graham Thorpe, who has passed away at the age of 55, as confirmed by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB). Thorpe was a distinguished figure in English cricket, celebrated for his impressive career both as a player and a coach.
Thorpe’s career spanned 13 years on the international stage, during which he earned a reputation as one of the finest batsmen of his generation. He played 100 Test matches for England, scoring 16 centuries and amassing over 6,700 runs at an average close to 45. His contributions extended to the One Day International (ODI) arena, where he represented England in 82 matches. Thorpe also enjoyed a long stint with Surrey, marking a 17-year association with the county.
His debut century against Australia at Trent Bridge in 1993 was a significant moment in his career, setting the tone for his future successes. Thorpe’s final Test appearance came against Bangladesh in June 2005, after which he retired from international cricket. Despite being absent from the 2005 Ashes series, his impact on English cricket remained profound.
Graham Thorpe’s legacy is marked by his exceptional skill and consistency. He was known for his counterattacking style and his ability to perform under pressure. His career highlights include memorable performances against formidable opponents, such as scoring crucial runs against West Indies’ pace attack and Australian spin legend Shane Warne. Thorpe’s contributions were instrumental in England’s cricketing successes during the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Thorpe’s influence continued beyond his playing days as he transitioned into coaching. He served as a coach for England between 2010 and 2022, guiding the team through various formats and contributing to their strategic development. His coaching tenure included a notable stint with the England team in Australia, where he stepped up to guide the squad to a draw in the Sydney Test during a challenging period.
The ECB’s statement expressed deep sorrow at Thorpe’s passing, acknowledging his extraordinary contributions to the sport. The cricketing community, including former teammates and fans, have paid heartfelt tributes. Michael Vaughan, who captained Thorpe in the later stages of his career, remembered him as a “great player and a brilliant teammate.” Ben Duckett, a current England opener, also reflected on the profound impact Thorpe had on him, calling him a hero.
Former England cricketer David Gower highlighted Thorpe’s success across various conditions, noting his significant achievements against different types of bowling. Gower recalled Thorpe’s exceptional performances, including his unbeaten half-century in Karachi in 2000, which was crucial in securing England’s first series win in Pakistan in nearly four decades.
Surrey’s chief executive, Steve Elworthy, and other former teammates, including Dean Headley and Shaun Udal, have expressed their grief and admiration for Thorpe. They remembered him as a “warrior” and a “legend,” praising his elegance and style of play.
Thorpe’s impact extended to the global cricketing stage, where he worked with emerging talents in Australia before returning to England as a batting coach. His recent role as head coach for Afghanistan, though brief, was another testament to his dedication to the game.
The cricketing world will remember Graham Thorpe for his remarkable achievements and his enduring contributions to the sport. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of cricketers.
