Thorpe made his international debut in 1993 and scored a century on his first Ashes appearance, becoming the first England player to do so in 20 years. Thorpe was an England regular and went on to play 100 Tests, scoring 16 centuries and featuring 82 times for the ODI side, as well as enjoying a 17-year career with Surrey. His final Test appearance came in June 2005 before he was omitted from that summer’s victorious Ashes series and called time on his international career.
A statement from the England and Wales Cricket Board read: “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 stayed in the game after his retirement fr.