Cricket world rocked by Graham Thorpe’s shock death at 55

The cricket world has been left in mourning after one of England’s great batters died at the age of just 55.

The cricket world has been left in shock and mourning after the death of former England batter Graham Thorpe at the age of 55.

The left-hander has been remembered as one of the greatest English players of his generation, having played 100 Tests and scored 6744 runs at an average off 44.66, including 16 centuries.

He also captained England on three occasions.

Thorpe also represented England 82 times in One Day Internationals with 2380 runs at 37.18 and a highest score of 89.

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He also played 341 first-class matches, scoring 21,937 runs, including 49 centuries as well as 354 domestic one-day matches that netted 10,871 runs. By any mark it was an incredible career.

After his playing days, Thorpe held several coaching roles for England between 2010 and 2022.

In March 2022, Thorpe was announced as the new head coach of Afghanistan but was unable to take up the role after falling seriously ill and being hospitalised for treatment.

Thorpe was an assistant coach for England in the 2022 Ashes. Photo by DAVID GRAY / AFP

The cricket world was quick to pay tribute.

The England and Wales Cricket Board released a statement announcing the news.

“There seem to be no appropriate words to describe the deep shock we feel at Graham’s death,” the statement read.

“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.”

Graham Thorpe died at 55.

Surrey, the club where he played his entire county career, also remembered Thorpe as a “legend”.

“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,” Surrey Cricket Club chair Oli Slipper said.

“He made outstanding contributions to the Club as a cricketer, and as a man, and he will be so sorely missed.”

England supporters club The Barmy Army posted simply: “Tragic news. Rest in peace.”

Players past and present have also offered their condolences.

Former England captain Michael Vaughan tweeted: “RIP Thorpey .. Thanks for all the advice throughout my career, you were a great player and a brilliant teammate.

“You have gone far too young but you leave as an England cricket legend … Thoughts with all who knew Thorpey and to all the family xxx.”

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ pic.twitter.com/NeaX5dDwzg

— Ben Stokes (@benstokes38) August 5, 2024

Current England opening batter Ben Duckett wrote: “Heartbreaking to see Thorpey has passed away. He was one of my heroes growing up and I was fortunate to work with him. My thoughts go out to all of his friends and family during this tough time.”

Rest in peace Thorpey. Photo by Tom Shaw/Getty Images

Thorpe had a glorious cover drive.

Sri Lankan legend Kumar Sangakkara posted: “Rest in Peace Thorpey. Great man and legend. Thoughts with his family, loved ones and friends. Gone far too early.”

Former Aussie star and coach Darren Lehmann simply tweeted three tear emojis.

South African great Herschelle Gibbs wrote: “Such sad news this, wonderful batsman but a great gent most importantly. Condolences to his family and friends.”

Ex-England star turned cricket correspondent Derek Pringle wrote: “Graham Thorpe had his demons but this is just such a sad day…..RIP Thorpey, a fabulous cricketer and team mate.”

Journalist Alison Mitchell commented: “This is desperately tragic news. Aged just 55.”

Thorpe made his England debut at the age of 24 in 1993 in an Ashes Test against Australia, where he scored 114 at Trent Bridge.

He would become a staple of the England middle-order until his international retirement in 2005.

He started his coaching career in Australia, where he coached at NSW between 2005 and 2008, before returning to England where he held several roles until he was dismissed after England’s 4-0 loss in the 2021-22 Ashes series in Australia.

Originally published as Cricket world rocked by Graham Thorpe’s shock death at 55