Graham Thorpe, an ex-England cricket player, passes away at the age of 55
Graham Thorpe was dubbed England's "best-ever" batting technician by Ricky Ponting.
In contrast, Thorpe and David Gower were deemed by his former captain Mike Atherton to be England's best two lefties since the end of the war.
Many were shocked to learn about Thorpe's passing on Monday night, when the England Cricket Board made the announcement. Thorpe was 55 years old. However, Thorpe has not been sighted in public before the expert Cricketers League made public in 2022 the news that he was hospitalized and "seriously ill."
Shortly previously, he had agreed to take up the position of coach in charge of Afghanistan after being fired from his position as England's batting coach after a botched 2021–22 Ashes trip due to biosecurity concerns. An incredibly depressing way to end a cricket career for a player who had repeatedly fooled Australia.
The ECB stated, "It seems like there are no adequate words to express the profound shock we feel at Graham's passing."
In addition to being one of England's greatest batsmen ever, he was also adored by cricket enthusiasts worldwide and regarded as a valued member of the game.
His accomplishments during a 13-year international career, along with his undeniable brilliance, brought immense joy to both Surrey CCC supporters and his teammates. Afterwards, in his capacity as a coach, he led the finest male players in England to some amazing triumphs in all competition formats.
"Today, the cricket community is grieving. During this unbearably trying time, our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Amanda, his kids, father Geoff, and all of his family and friends. Graham's outstanding contributions to the sport will live on in our memories forever.
Having played soccer as a child and having a robust physique, Thorpe distinguished himself as a talented left-hander in 1993 by hitting a century on his debut in a Test against Sydney at Trent Bridge. During the innings, he had a lengthy partnership at the crease with then captain Graham Gooch, and he lost very little in comparison to his esteemed partner.
Thorpe managed the Australians' sledges and tactical challenges with ease, albeit in his third Test match at Edgbaston, Ian Healy's taunt, "watch this guy attempt to get a not out," provoked Shane Warne into a "I'll show you" charge that ended in a stumping.
In the ensuing ten years, Thorpe had an impressive record in every circumstance, averaging almost 47 against Australia and more than 35 against all the countries he faced in more than two Test matches.
Afterwards, he would candidly say, "A Test batsman is selfish from the start." You can learn to work well with others and remain a group player.
Despite personal hardships, his career covered England's transition from an antiquated invitational XI to a more contemporary system of central agreements and greater collective purpose.
During a tour of India, Thorpe's first marriage ended in divorce, and following his retirement, he was candid about his struggles with mental health, which prevented him from participating in the 2002–03 Australian tour.
Thorpe played exactly 100 Tests when England decided to let him go in 2005, just before the historic Ashes match of that year.
The narrow series margin might not be considered quite so close if he had been ranked No. 4 instead of the immature 23-year-old Ian Bell.
Thorpe took up the role of batting mentor at NSW for the 2005–06 season after retiring, and the following summer, he was named assistant coach, overseeing the NSW Second XI.
