Graham Thorpe dies aged 55 as tributes paid to England cricket legend

Former Cricketer of the Year Graham Thorpe has died at the age of 55, following a 17-year career that saw him score more than 6,700 test runs and become an England regular

Former England batter Graham Thorpe has died at the age of 55, the England and Wales Cricket Board has announced, having battled a serious illness since 2022.

In a 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.

"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 spent 17 years playing for Surrey, earning a regular place in the England Test and ODI teams. He earned 100 Test caps for his country, as well as playing in the 1996 and 1999 World Cups.

A lynchpin of England's middle order, Thorpe struck Over 6,700 Test runs at an average of almost 45, including 16 centuries. His former county are also now mourning his sad loss, with Surrey chairman Oli Slipper hailing his legacy.

Slipper 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's CEO, 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.”

Following his playing career, Thorpe transitioned into becoming a coach. He joined the England white ball coaching staff as batting coach in 2013, before being promoted to becoming boss Chris Silverwood's assistant in 2019.

Thorpe was named interim head coach for England's T20 series against Pakistan, leading his country to a 2-1 win. He also stood in for the fourth Test of the 2021/2022 Ashes series, claiming a draw, the only game England did not lose.

Image: Gareth Copley/Getty Images) Gareth Copley/Getty Images) Image: Tom Shaw/Getty Images) Tom Shaw/Getty Images)

He left his role at the end of that series, before being named head coach of Afghanistan in March 2022. Sadly, he would never take up that role after falling seriously ill. England test captain Ben Stokes wore Thorpe's name and number ahead of a match against New Zealand as a tribute following that diagnosis.

The exact nature of his illness is unknown, with the Professional Cricketers' Association saying at the time of his diagnosis: In a May 2022 statement, the PCA said: "Graham Thorpe has recently fallen seriously ill and is currently in hospital receiving treatment.

"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."

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