Graham Thorpe dies aged 55

Ex-England and Surrey cricketer Graham Thorpe passed away at 55 on August 5. After falling seriously ill in 2022, Thorpe was admitted to the hospital with the prognosis unclear at that stage. England and Wales Cricket Board and Surrey Cricket confirmed the devastating news via an official statement. 

The southpaw made 182 international appearances for England across Tests (100) and ODIs (82) in a career that spanned 13 years. Thorpe also served as the batting coach of the senior men’s England cricket team. 

He began his career spectacularly with an Ashes ton on debut in 1993 at Trent Bridge. He registered 16 centuries and scored 6,744 runs in Tests while amassing 2,380 runs in ODIs. Besides a decorated career in the international circuit, Thope also had a successful run at the county level. He scored 21,937 runs for Surrey in First Class cricket, with 49 centuries under his belt at a staggering average of 45.04. 

The Chair of Surrey Cricket Club, Oli Slipper offered his condolences and tributes to the iconic player:  “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 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."

ECB said in their statement: "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."