Former England cricketer and coach Graham Thorpe passes away aged 55

Graham Thorpe featured in 100 tests and 82 ODIs from 1993 to 2005.

Former England batsman Graham Thorpe has died at the age of 55, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced on August 5, Monday.

Though the clear reason for his demise is not yet known, Thorpe had been battling illness for more than two years. In May 2022, he was “seriously ill” and admitted to a hospital only four months after he’d been announced as Afghanistan‘s coach. Since then, he’d moved away from coaching.

In their released statement, the ECB said, “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.“

Paying a tribute to Thorpe, who played 100 tests and then had a long coaching career with the England team in various roles, the ECB added, “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.“

Graham Thorpe’s career as a batsman and coach

Graham Thorpe scored 6744 test runs at an average of 44, with 16 centuries and 39 fifties. In 82 ODIs, he scored 2380 runs at an average of 37. He also got the opportunity to lead England in three ODIs in 2001.

Following retirement, he had a coaching stint with at New South Wales in 2007, where he worked with Steve Smith and David Warner.

He then joined the England coaching staff in 2010 initially as a batting coach and then as assistant coach to Chris Silverwood. He was in the role until 2022.

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