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Graham Thorpe has been hailed as one of England’s best players as tributes were paid to the former batter following his death at the age of 55.
Thorpe’s death was announced by the England and Wales Cricket Board on Monday morning, after he was first revealed to be seriously ill in hospital in 2022.
During a distinguished international career, Thorpe struck 16 Test hundreds for England, which included a debut century against Australia at Trent Bridge in 1993, and represented his country 182 times in all formats.
Current Test players Ben Stokes, Joe Root and Ben Duckett took to social media to hail Thorpe, while Stuart Broad described him as a “wonderful person”, with the former Surrey left-hander also having been involved in the England set-up as a coach between 2010 and 2022.
Ex-England captain David Gower told Sky Sports: “One of his highlights and not the many hundreds he scored was the 64 not out at Karachi in 2000 where England won a series for the first time in yonks against Pakistan, in Pakistan, and they had to do it in pitch black darkness.
“We up in the commentary box 80 or 90 metres away couldn’t see anything live. Only the genius of TV cameras allowed us to see what was going on, but that was a good example of his grit, determination and will to win.
“He was very talented and what bears that out are his figures against all comers.”
Wasim Akram, Pakistan’s leading Test wicket-taker, said on X: “He was a gentleman to the core, a very genuinely honest, passionate guy and the best left-handed batter I bowled to. He will be sorely missed by all cricket fraternity and beyond. I wish strength and sincere prayers for his family.”
Akram’s compatriot Waqar Younis, who featured in the Karachi Test, added: “I lost my younger brother and a best friend today Graham Thorpe (Chorky).
“A very sad day of my life. We’ll miss you dearly brother. Condolences to the family and friends.”
Former England head coach David Lloyd said: “Many colleagues and opponents will shed a tear. One of Surrey and England’s finest. R.I.P Graham.”
Shaun Udal, who played alongside Thorpe for England, said: “He is one of the best we’ve ever produced and his stats stand up against the best.
“If you were in a crisis, he was the man you wanted to be batting at four or five. Whether it be on a turning pitch in Sri Lanka or a fast, bouncy one in Australia, he was your man.
He is one of the best we've ever produced and his stats stand up against the best— Shaun Udal on Graham Thorpe
Thorpe spent 17 years with Surrey as a player and returned to the club as batting coach in 2008 before his various roles with England.
Former Surrey team-mate Azhar Mahmood said: “Lost for words and incredibly sad on the passing of Graham Thorpe MBE, a legend of England and Surrey cricket.
“I had the honour of playing alongside Thorpey at Surrey for years, sharing many great times both on and off the field. He was not only an inspiring cricketer but also a true gentleman.”
Ex-England spinner Rob Croft told Sky Sports: “He was the best of that generation and I don’t say that lightly when you think of the players he played with.
“He was a player that has touched a lot of us. His name will stand the test of time in England cricket forever.”
Indian great Anil Kumble said: “Sad to hear about Graham Thorpe. He was a gritty and a fantastic batter who was always ready for a battle on the pitch.”
Kumble’s compatriot Yuvraj Singh said: “Cricket has lost a true gem today with the passing of Graham Thorpe. Someone who was always jovial, happy go lucky and full of affection. My heartfelt condolences to his family. Rest in peace, Graham.”
Sri Lankan Kumar Sangakkara said: “Rest in Peace Thorpey. Great man and legend. Thoughts with his family, loved ones and friends. Gone far too early.”
India great Sachin Tendulkar paid tribute to the batter’s courage and talent.
“His reputation as a naturally gifted, free-flowing batter who played fearlessly and with flair, always stood out. Sending my heartfelt condolences to his family and close ones. Rest in peace, Graham,” he wrote on X.
At Sophia Gardens flags flew at half-mast and the Welsh Fire and Southern Brave squads lined up to observe a moment of silence before their Hundred match.
Mark Ramprakash wrote in the Guardian: “His death is very tough to take and came far too soon. It’s shocking that we came up together and now he’s no longer here.
“In terms of his legacy, it’s not just the player it is the person. He had empathy for how hard cricket and life could be. Everyone could relate to that.”
