Former England cricketer Graham Thorpe passes away at 55

Former England middle-order batter Graham Thorpe passed away at the age of 55. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced the tragic news on Monday, August 05.

Thorpe, a stalwart of English cricket, had many brilliant moments during his illustrious career. Making his Test debut against Australia at Nottingham in July 1993, he went on to play 100 Test matches for England. His international career spanned over a decade, concluding with his final Test match against Bangladesh in June 2005.

The left-handed batter's ability with the willow was evident throughout his career. In red-ball cricket, Thorpe scored 6,744 runs at an average of 44.66, including 16 centuries and 39 half-centuries. In the ODIs, Thorpe featured in 82 matches, scoring 2,380 runs with a respectable average of 37.18.

Thorpe also took up the coaching role and guided England's top talent to remarkable victories across all formats of the game. ECB shared the news on Twitter. 

“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. 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," read the statement.

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“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 statement added.

Surrey County Cricket Club, where Thorpe spent 17 years of his professional career, also mourned the loss of their great son.

“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,” said Surrey chairman Oli Slipper.