Former England middle-order batter Graham Thorpe has tragically passed away at the age of 55. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced the news on Monday (August 5). Thorpe had been battling a serious illness since being appointed as Afghanistan‘s head coach in March 2022, a role he unfortunately could not take up due to his deteriorating health. The ECB’s statement reflected the deep shock and sadness felt across the cricketing world.

ECB’s tribute to Graham Thorpe

The ECB shared their heartfelt condolences via their official social media channels and website, describing Thorpe as one of England’s finest batters. “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,” the ECB stated.

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. pic.twitter.com/VMXqxVJJCh

— England and Wales Cricket Board (@ECB_cricket) August 5, 2024

Coaching and legacy

The ECB also highlighted Thorpe’s  extraordinary skill, achievements, and his impact both as a player and coach. Beyond his playing career, Thorpe made significant contributions as a coach.

“Later, as a coach, he guided the best England Men’s talent to some incredible victories across all formats of the game,”

He worked with prominent players like Steve Smith and David Warner at New South Wales and served as England’s batting coach and assistant coach. Thorpe also took on the role of interim head coach for England during the COVID-affected summer of 2020 and the fourth Ashes Test in 2021-22. His potential role as Afghanistan’s head coach was cut short due to his illness.

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Personal and professional impact

The governing body’s statement read further in their official website on X that Thorpe’s passing has left a void in the cricketing community. His dedication to the sport, both as a player and a coach, earned him widespread respect and admiration. Thorpe’s technical brilliance and his contributions to cricket will be remembered fondly by fans, colleagues, and the cricketing world at large. They offered their deepest condolences go out to his wife Amanda, his children, father Geoff, and all his family and friends during this difficult time.

“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,”

Career highlights

Thorpe’s illustrious international career spanned from 1993 to 2005. He played 100 Tests for England, amassing 6,744 runs at an average of 44.66, including 16 centuries and 39 half-centuries. Thorpe made an impressive debut with a century in the third Test of the 1993 Ashes series against Australia, and he remains England’s 15th all-time leading run-scorer in Tests.

In One Day Internationals (ODIs), Thorpe scored 2,380 runs at an average of 37.18 in 82 matches, showcasing his prowess in the shorter format. His performance in the 1996 World Cup was particularly notable, with an average exceeding 54 across 11 matches. Thorpe also captained England in three ODIs during the 2001 series in Sri Lanka.

Here’s how cricket fraternity reacted:

Sad to hear about Graham Thorpe. He was a gritty and a fantastic batter who was always ready for a battle on the pitch. Heartfelt condolences to his friends and family.

— Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) August 5, 2024

Rest in Peace Thorpey. Great man and legend. Thoughts with his family, loved ones and friends. Gone far too early.

— Kumar Sangakkara (@KumarSanga2) August 5, 2024

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ pic.twitter.com/NeaX5dDwzg

— Ben Stokes (@benstokes38) August 5, 2024

RIP Thorpey .. Thanks for all the advice throughout my career,you were a great player and a brilliant team https://t.co/QPFq55nPCd have gone far too young but you leave as an England cricket legend … Thoughts with all who knew Thorpey and to all the family xxx

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) August 5, 2024

Heartbreaking to see Thorpey has passed away. He was one of my heroes growing up and I was fortunate to work with him. My thoughts go out to all of his friends and family during this tough time 😔💔 pic.twitter.com/9I4jXt7XpL

— Ben Duckett (@BenDuckett1) August 5, 2024

Such incredibly sad news. So much to thank this man for; the guidance, the endless hours of help and the laughs.

You’ll be sorely missed Thorpey 😢❤️ https://t.co/o2rmVu1yLL

— Sam Billings (@sambillings) August 5, 2024

Difficult to take in that Thorpey has passed. A true legend of a bloke and player and always a pleasure to be with. Will take great memories everywhere with me. Rest well pal 😔🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

— Robert Croft (@RDBCroft10) August 5, 2024

Such heartbreaking 💔 news to wake up to this morning. A great player who I was lucky enough to have as a team mate so many times.
Ill miss you Thorpey
Thought with his family and everyone at Surrey CCC
RIP pic.twitter.com/IcJsQXzXQy

— Darren Gough MBE (@DGoughie) August 5, 2024

Graham Thorpe had his demons but this is just such a sad day…..RIP Thorpey, a fabulous cricketer and team mate

— Derek Pringle (@derekpringle) August 5, 2024

Saddened and at a loss for words at the tragic passing of one of England’s finest. My thoughts are with his family at this time. RIP Thorpey, you absolute legend of a man.

— Mark Ilott (@MarkIlott) August 5, 2024

It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of Surrey and England legend Graham Thorpe, MBE.

Everyone associated with the Club is devastated by the tragic news of Graham’s death. pic.twitter.com/gxHcbLK953

— Surrey Cricket (@surreycricket) August 5, 2024

Such tragic news – Thorpey was an incredible player, a wise and humorous team mate and a top man. We’ll never forget his tenacity and talent. #RIP https://t.co/6lhfW8gWHY

— Jeremy Snape (@thesportingedge) August 5, 2024

Sheraton Hotel Perth 1995 Ashes after tour party!

Thorpey carried into the room to his song.

“When he hits the ball it goes for four. Graham, Graham Thorpe!”

Thanks for all the fantastic innings. The best of his generation. pic.twitter.com/zIqeTJjIgH

— Lancashire County Cricket Members Group (@LancsCCMG) August 5, 2024

Former England player Graham Thorpe has died at the age of 55 😔😔#cricket #GrahamThorpe #englandcricket #RIP #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/sFro4irDlK

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) August 5, 2024

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