Friends and colleagues of Graham Thorpe have expressed heartfelt tributes following the passing of the legendary batsman. Former Surrey teammate Mark Butcher remarked that he hoped Thorpe had found peace.
Thorpe, an iconic figure in English cricket, passed away on Sunday at the age of 55. This came more than two years after the Professional Cricketers’ Association announced he was critically ill and receiving hospital treatment. Specifics regarding his illness and cause of death remain undisclosed.
Cricketing communities worldwide have shared their condolences, with many of Thorpe's friends and colleagues reminiscing about his impact. During Sky’s coverage of the Hundred, an emotional Butcher reflected on their time together, both at Surrey and for England. He described Thorpe as a hero, particularly to left-handed youngsters, highlighting his early tours with England A and his emerging talent.
Butcher recounted their years sharing a dressing room at the Oval, emphasising the lessons he learned from Thorpe, both as a player and a friend. He expressed deep sorrow at the loss, hoping Thorpe was in a better place. Butcher praised Thorpe’s cricketing prowess, noting his exceptional performance against spin and pace, and remembered him fondly as a steadfast presence in England’s middle order.
Michael Atherton, who played alongside and captained Thorpe in the 1990s, also paid homage. He found it distressing, particularly for Thorpe’s family. Atherton pointed out the unique nature of friendships in sports, forged over months of touring together. He recalled their early tours to Zimbabwe and Kenya and how Thorpe was a constant throughout his career. Atherton praised Thorpe’s skill and bravery, particularly against top spinners like Murali and Shane Warne, and remembered him as an unflinching competitor.
Dominic Cork shared his memories, highlighting the irreplaceable nature of such a loss. He recalled watching Thorpe’s memorable performances, particularly against South Africa in 1994. Cork highlighted Thorpe’s fighting spirit and his unique approach to the game, remembering how he would always step up in challenging situations. Cork cherished their time together on England A tours, where Thorpe looked after him like a brother. He sent his condolences to Thorpe’s family, underscoring the enduring bonds formed through cricket.
Stuart Broad reminisced about Thorpe’s influence as a coach within the England setup until early 2022. He remembered Thorpe as a hero to his generation, someone who inspired many young cricketers. Broad described how everyone would stop to watch Thorpe bat and admired his skill and resilience. As a coach, Thorpe’s extensive experience and knowledge earned him immense respect in the changing room, and he was always approachable. Broad noted the significant void Thorpe’s passing leaves in the England cricket community and beyond, acknowledging the widespread sadness felt by those who knew him.
Thorpe’s legacy as a cricketer and mentor endures, with many remembering his remarkable contributions to the sport and his profound impact on those around him.