Graham Thorpe has passed away at the age of 55, the England and Wales Cricket Board has announced. Tributes have poured in for the former England and Surrey batter, including from the ECB and Surrey chairman Oli Slipper and chief executive Steve Elworthy.
Thorpe scored 16 centuries across 100 test caps for his country after debuting in July 1993, featuring at the 1996 and 1999 Cricket World Cups.
He spent his entire 17-year career representing Surrey after making his first-class bow at the age of 18 before working as a coach for the county, New South Wales and England after retirement in 20
Thorpe spent 17 years playing for Surrey, earning a regular place in the England test and white-ball teams. He earned 100 test caps for his country, as well as playing in the 1996 and 1999 World Cups.
On Monday morning, an ECB statement 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.
“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 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.”
Surrey’s chairman hailed the legacy that Thorpe leaves behind in the world of cricket.
“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,” Slipper penned.
“He is a legend of Surrey and brought great pride to the club wearing both 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.”
Elworthy, Surrey’s CEO, echoed Slipper’s emotional sentiments, emphasising how Thorpe’s tragic passing had sent shockwaves through the sport.
He added: “Everyone associated with the club is devastated by the tragic news of Graham’s passing. He achieved remarkable feats for club and country and was a hero to so many cricket fans.
“Our thoughts and condolences are with Graham’s family and friends, to whom we will offer any support that we are able to. We ask that everyone respects the privacy of the family at this incredibly difficult time.”