The England and Wales Cricket board (ECB) reported Graham Thorpe, a legendary former batter and captain of England died mysteriously at 55 years old onMonday 5th August. From 2022 he had been suffering from various ailments until he succumbed which left many cricket lovers worldwide.
The statement released by the ECB read: “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. 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.”
It continued: “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 statement concluded: “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.”
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
Besides having a fantastic playing career, Thorpe was also the batting coach and assistant coach of England. He was also the interim head coach of England during the summer of 2020 affected by COVID for the T20I series against Pakistan and in the fourth Ashes Test in 2021-22.
In March 2022, Thorpe was appointed as Afghanistan’s head coach but became critically ill before he could assume office.
A review of Graham Thorpe’s distinguished international career
Graham Thorpe was considered one of the best Test batters in England and world cricket during the 1990s and early 2000s. He debuted for England in 1993, playing 100 Tests and amassing 6,744 runs at an average of 44.66, including 16 centuries and 39 half-centuries.
On his Test debut at the home ground, during the third Test of the Ashes series against Australia held in 1993, he scored a wonderful century. This left-hand batsman stands out at position 15 among all-time top run scorers for England in Tests; his international career lasted over twelve years before ending in 2005.
In 82 matches, he scored 2380 runs at an average of 3718 and a strike rate of 7117, which means he had an incredible ODI career. Besides, he had amazing statistics in two World Cups held in 1996 and 1996, with a batting average of more than 54 through 11 games.
In addition, Thorpe was also in charge of the England cricket team during three ODIs hosted by Sri Lanka in 2001. Overall, Thorpe completed his international career with more than 9000 runs from 182 innings played for England.
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