Former England and Surrey batsman Graham Thorpe has passed away at the age of 55, it has been confirmed.
Thorpe represented England in 100 Test matches from 1993 to 2005 and appeared in 82 one-day internationals. As a stylish left-handed batter, he amassed 6,744 Test runs for England, including 16 centuries, averaging 44.66.
Tributes poured in from the cricketing world, including current England captain Ben Stokes, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), and Surrey. Michael Vaughan, a former teammate, described Thorpe as a "legend" who had "gone far too young."
The ECB expressed their deep sorrow, stating, "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 achievements over a 13-year international career brought immense joy to his teammates and supporters of England and Surrey CCC alike. As a coach, he led the best of England's men's talent to remarkable victories across all formats. The cricket world mourns today. Our hearts go out to his wife Amanda, his children, father Geoff, and all his family and friends during this unimaginably difficult time. We will always remember Graham for his extraordinary contributions to the sport."
Thorpe dedicated his entire first-class playing career to Surrey, representing the county from 1988 to 2005. Surrey chair Oli Slipper referred to Thorpe as "one of the great sons" of the county, expressing deep sadness that he will never walk through the gates of the Oval again. Surrey chief executive Steve Elworthy added, "He achieved remarkable feats for club and country and was a hero to so many cricket fans."
Thorpe's notable performances included an unbeaten 114 in the second innings of his Test debut against Australia in 1993 and a career-best 200 not out against New Zealand in 2002.
After retiring in 2005, Thorpe began coaching in Australia, working with New South Wales before joining the England set-up from 2010 to 2022. He was appointed head coach of Afghanistan in March 2022 but was hospitalised with a serious illness before he could assume the role.
BBC cricket correspondent Jonathan Agnew described Thorpe as a "mainstay of England's middle order throughout the 1990s" and called him "a gritty and unfussy left-hander." Agnew noted that after Thorpe was admitted to the hospital in a serious condition, no further details or public updates were provided until his passing was announced.
The cause of Thorpe's death has not been disclosed.