During his playing career, Thorpe scored 6744 Test runs, with 16 hundreds, and was also capped 82 times in one-day internationals. He played for Surrey between 1988 and 2005, scoring almost 20,000 runs for the county.
”It is with great sadness that we share the news that Graham Thorpe, MBE, has passed away,” the ECB said in a statement. ”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.”
Thorpe joined the ECB in 2010 as lead batting coach, and went on to work as assistant coach to Chris Silverwood with England Men. He was among a number of the team management to depart in the wake of the 2021-22 Ashes.
He had been due to take charge of Afghanistan, after being appointed in March 2022, but was unable to fulfil the role.
Oli Slipper, Surrey’s chair said: “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 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.”
Steve Elworthy, Surrey chief executive, 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.”
More to follow…
