The former player who started his career in 1993 has been ailing since 2022
Judy J. Rotich
Former England and Surrey cricketer Graham Thorpe has passed away at the age of 55 after a prolonged illness. The England Cricket Board confirmed the news on Monday. “It is with great sadness that the ECB shares the news of the death of Graham Thorpe, MBE,” said the ECB.
Thorpe was set to take on the role of head coach for Afghanistan in 2022 but fell ill shortly after his appointment.
At the time, The Professional Cricketers Association commented on his diagnosis. “Graham Thorpe has recently fallen seriously ill and is currently in hospital receiving treatment,” said the association. “His prognosis is unclear at this stage and we ask for privacy for him and his family at this time. Our thoughts are with Graham and his family.”
Athanaze’s Grit Anchors West Indies In Stalemate With South AfricaAthanaze’s Grit Anchors West Indies In Stalemate With South Africa
He is survived by his wife Amanda and their four children: Henry, Amelia, Kitty, and Emma. The exact cause of his death has not been disclosed.
Commenting on his death, Oli Slipper, Surrey CCC Chairman said: “Graham was one of Surrey’s great sons, and it is with great sadness that he will no longer walk through the gates of the Oval,”
“He is a Surrey legend and has brought great pride to the club by wearing all three feathers and three lions,” Slipper added.
Thorpe made his Test debut in 1993 and was renowned for his exceptional performances, including scoring centuries in the Ashes and during England’s triumphs over Pakistan and Sri Lanka in the 2000–01 season.
He represented England in 100 Tests and 82 ODIs, scoring a total of 16 centuries and 2830 runs, respectively. Thorpe also enjoyed a successful 17-year stint with Surrey at the county level.
Following his retirement as a player, Thorpe transitioned into coaching and worked with notable players such as Steve Smith and David Warner in Australia.
He later joined the England national team as a batting coach in 2010, subsequently serving as an assistant coach for the England men’s team and briefly leading as head coach of Afghanistan.
His contributions to the sport, both as a player and a coach, will be dearly missed.
