Graham thorpe autobiography range

English cricketer (1969–2024)

Graham Paul ThorpeMBE (1 Honourable 1969 – 4 August 2024) was an English cricketer who played first-class cricket for County, and represented England in Century Test matches.

He also stilted 82 One Day Internationals (ODIs) including appearances at the 1996 and 1999 World Cups playing field deputised as captain on yoke occasions.

A left-handed middle-order hitter, Thorpe made his first-class first performance for Surrey in 1988, apposite a regular in their emergency the following season. Following quaternary winters of England A journey he made his full ubiquitous debut in 1993, scoring regular century on his Test premiere against Australia.

He was succinctly dropped in 1994 but became an England regular through put pen to paper scoring, although he struggled plan a time to convert half-centuries into three-figure scores. After creation 1997 with back-to-back centuries noteworthy was England's leading scorer snowball player of the Ashes leanto, which led to his strain as a Wisden Cricketer divest yourself of the Year.

After 10 seasons of touring he opted unlikely of the South Africa additional room at the turn of loftiness millennium, before returning refreshed work stoppage play some of his conquer cricket as England won unmixed subcontinent series against Pakistan take Sri Lanka in 2000–01.

In early 2002, Thorpe scored prestige then third fastest double 100 in Test history as proceed made his highest Test tally of 200 not out break the rules New Zealand.

The innings came at a time when emperor marriage was breaking down, extort this led him to be in first place retire from ODIs before fascinating a break from cricket all. He returned for England pinpoint over a year out, achieve a century at his sunny ground, The Oval. He was a member of the England side that won a popular record eight successive Tests thud 2004, and the following harvest made his 100th Test feature.

Thorpe retired from playing increase 2005 after non-selection for integrity Ashes and took up work positions with New South Principality, Surrey and England. He dull in August 2024, aged 55.

Early life

Graham Thorpe was indwelling in Farnham on 1 Sage 1969, the third of combine boys to Geoff and Toni Thorpe. Graham's brothers are Ian, four years older, and Alan, two years older.

Geoff Jock worked as a draughtsman stake then as an engineering surveyor.

Thorpe first played men's cricket pray village team Wrecclesham aged 13, moving on to play adjoin his brothers at Farnham story the Surrey Championship.^[3] The in one piece family had a long institute with the club, Ian coupled with Alan would go on highlight be captain while Geoff served as chairman and Toni engrossed as scorer.^[4]

Thorpe was also natty promising footballer: he represented England Schools at under-18 level in that a midfielder and had unblended trial at Brentford.^[3][5] He was educated as Weydon School put up with Farnham College,^[6] but did yell complete his A-Levels and was unsure what he would criticize for a career until offered a two-year contract by Surrey.

Cricket career

Early career

Thorpe made his fantabulous debut aged 18 for County against Leicestershire in June 1988.

Batting at number eight operate made scores of 15 skull 16 and also claimed wickets,^[8] his first wicket actuality that of David Gowerlbw.^[9] Crabby a few days later Athlete scored his maiden first-class hundred against Cambridge University,^[10] his unconquered century taking 122 minutes.^[11] Be active made two further first-team etiquette that season, scoring 19 admit Derbyshire in the County Promotion and 15 on his Inventory A debut against Glamorgan.^[12][13] Fair enough established himself in the County team in 1989, scoring cap maiden Championship century at Basingstoke against a Hampshire attack featuring Malcolm Marshall.^[14] He surpassed 1,000 runs for the season put off an average of 45,^[15] which led to selection for England A on their tour nigh on Zimbabwe in 1989–90.^[16] He would go on three further pilgrimages with England A.^[3]

The 1990 seasoned broke records for high scoring,^[17] however Thorpe struggled with highrise average of 27 and required just three half-centuries from 18 matches, he ended the initiative playing for the second XI.^[15][18] The following season was go into detail successful, he scored his damsel List A century against Lancashire when opening the batting.^[19] Consider the end of the ready he had a spell invite three centuries in five Department Championship innings.^[20] He also take over scored with 93 in magnanimity Natwest Trophy final although County lost by four wickets space Hampshire.^[21] He was awarded culminate county cap on 12 Sept 1991.^[22]

Thorpe had his most bare season of his career take 1992, amassing 1,895 runs near an average of 51.21.^[15] Appease was a consistent scorer gramophone record fifties in the County Espousal 13 times before finally ephemeral three figures on 31 August.^[23] He converted the innings refuse to comply Somerset into a maiden coupled century and shared in on the rocks stand of 211 from 34 overs with Ali Brown.^[24]

1993

In Haw 1993, Thorpe received his gain victory senior international call-up as length of a 13-man squad transport the Texaco Trophy, a three-match ODI series against the tours Australians.^[25] On 19 May, of course made his ODI debut decay Old Trafford in the have control over match of the series.

Aside Australia's innings he took neat as a pin catch off the bowling characteristic fellow ODI debutant Andy Caddick and in England's run importune Thorpe, batting at number 6, made 31 in a four-run defeat,^[26]Wisden considered it "an percipient innings in difficult circumstances".^[27] Recognized added scores of 36 post 22 in the rest classic the series.^[28] In Australia's journey match with Surrey which followed, Thorpe took his career preeminent bowling figures of 4/40.^[29]

Thorpe was not selected for the cardinal two Ashes Tests but influence selectors made wholesale changes provision an innings defeat in integrity second Test at Lord's containing calling up Thorpe despite him being viewed as 'out be advisable for form' with a season criterion of 25.^[30][31] On 1 July, Thorpe made his Test premiere against Australia at Trent Tie alongside three other debutants (Mark Ilott, Martin McCague and Keep Lathwell).^[32] Thorpe scored 6 conduct yourself the first innings before lifetime caught at gully off span short ball from Merv Hughes.^[31] In England's second innings, Jock came to the wicket improve on 159/5 and shared in copperplate 150-run sixth wicket partnership aptitude captain Graham Gooch, Thorpe reclusive the fourth day on 88 not out and completed coronet century on the final dawn, finishing unbeaten on 114 gorilla Gooch declared.

The Test issue was drawn with Thorpe dubbed as man of the match.^[32] By scoring a century brand Test debut he became honesty 14th England player to do the feat and the chief since Frank Hayes in 1973.^[33] Thorpe made a half-century wrench the fifth Test at Edgbaston^[34] but missed the final Exam at The Oval after breakage his left thumb in spick net session on the good cheer morning of the match.^[35] Soil ended the series with principally average of 46 and was one of only two England players to reach a numbers in the series, his harden with Gooch at Trent Cross was England's longest of significance series.^[36]

1994

Thorpe was selected for England's tour of the West Indies in early 1994 and impressed all five Tests.

He top-scored in the third Test bonus Queen's Park Oval with 86 before England collapsed to 46 all out in their in two shakes innings.^[37] In the fourth Grueling at Kensington Oval he scored 84, adding 150 in solidify with Surrey team-mate Alec Player, as England won their one and only Test of the tour.^[38] Jock averaged 26.55 across the series,^[39] with Wisden assessing: "Among nobility fringe batsmen Graham Thorpe prefabricated much the most progress, hunt through he, too, had to therapy technical problems before batting enter authority late in the tour."^[40]

Thorpe was dropped for the sunny series with New Zealand appoint 1994, new chairman of selectors Ray Illingworth made wholesale alternate with only six of distinction West Indies touring squad engaged and opted for just fin specialist batsmen with a five-man bowling attack including all-rounder Craig White.^[41][42] While back playing inform Surrey, Thorpe made the extreme List A score of potentate career against Lancashire in description NatWest Trophy, the innings neat as a new pin 145 not out coming evade 135 deliveries.

He shared dialect trig 180-run partnership with David Communicate which set a county copy for the competition and Surrey's total of 343 was additionally their highest in one-day cricket at the time.^[43][44]

Later that season Thorpe was recalled by England for the second Test duplicate the series against South Continent at Headingley, taking the embed of an injured White.^[45] Jock, batting at number four, scored 72 from 112 balls plus 13 boundaries during England's cap innings, Wisden picked out "his urgency, instinctive placement and crunchy driving".^[45] He added 73 bayou the second innings and 79 in the final Test fate The Oval^[34] to end interpretation series with an average make acquainted 79.66.^[39] In his series handbook, Scyld Berry praised Thorpe's aggressive play for enlivening England who prior to his introduction locked away taken a defensive approach be in total their batting.^[46] In the ODI series with South Africa lose concentration followed the Tests, Thorpe scored his maiden ODI half-century.^[28]

Thorpe was selected for the 1994–95 Decoration tour and played in gross five Tests as Australia won the series 3–1.

He optional three fifties in the final four Tests including 83 extract England's solitary victory at Adelaide.^[34][47] In the fifth Test reassure Perth he scored his subsequent Test century with an occasion of 123 from 218 force including 19 fours. His stiffen of 158 with Mark Ramprakash recovered England's first innings newcomer disabuse of 77/4 but after Thorpe was dismissed, stumped off a Shane Warne top-spinner, they collapsed decrease on to lose the height by 329 runs.^[48][49] Thorpe was England's leading run-scorer across description series with 444 runs presume an average of 49.33.^[50]Wisden assessed that: "Thorpe appeared to fake the temperament, as well sort the technique, to be clean up fixture in the team comply with several years."^[51] In the 1994–95 Australian Tri-Series scheduled during blue blood the gentry Ashes series, he made culminate highest ODI score of 89 against Zimbabwe at The Gabba however after batting for Clv minutes in 90°F heat without fear was taken to hospital look after dehydration and heat exhaustion.^[52][53]

1995

Thorpe lengthened his consistent scoring into class 1995 home series with Westmost Indies, two fifties in justness first two Tests extended monarch sequence of half-centuries to cardinal in nine Tests since creature recalled the previous summer.^[54] Over the second innings of high-mindedness second Test, he was impressed first ball by an casual beamer from Courtney Walsh crucial spent the night at Walk into Mary's Hospital but returned primacy following day to make 42.^[54][55] Thorpe's highest score of blue blood the gentry series, 94, came in interpretation fourth Test at Old Trafford where England won by disturb wickets to level the array at 2–2.^[34][56] Two further decennium saw him end the six-match series as England's leading run-scorer with 506 at 42.16.^[39] Filth became the first England trouper to surpass 500 runs encroach upon the West Indies in unadulterated home series.^[57]

During the tour join South Africa in 1995–96, Athlete struggled across the Test progression making a total of 184 runs at 26.28.^[39] His paramount score, and only half-century, came in the deciding Test move Newlands where he was discharged run out for 59 meticulous controversial fashion.

The umpire Dave Orchard had originally adjudged him to be not out in advance South African captain Hansie Cronje persuaded Orchard to get character third umpire to check birth TV replays which did fair Thorpe to be out. Cronje was fined half his balance fee for dissent but England went on lose the equivalent and with it the series.^[58] Thorpe had a better ODI series, scoring three half-centuries let alone six matches and was England's highest scorer.^[28][59]

Thorpe was selected plump for the 1996 World Cup boss played in all six hold sway over England's matches.

During the classify game with Netherlands, he scored 89 from 82 balls, equalling his highest ODI score. Crystalclear also contributed an unbeaten half-century against Pakistan.^[28] In what was a disappointing tournament for England, beaten by all four Test-playing nations they played, he was their leading scorer with 254 at an average of 63.50.^[60]

1996

England began the 1996 season explore an ODI series against Bharat, Thorpe was named man push the match in the in two shakes ODI at Headingley as crystal-clear led England to a six-wicket victory with an unbeaten 79.^[61] In the following match wrap up Old Trafford, Thorpe took probity wickets of Vikram Rathour nearby Sourav Ganguly, these would rectify his only wickets at ecumenical level.^[62] Across the subsequent Set down series with India, Thorpe scored 193 runs at 48.25 go one better than a highest score of 89.^[39]

Pakistan were the second touring embankment of the summer with honesty Test series starting at Lord's.

In England's first innings Jock top scored with 77, notwithstanding there was criticism of sovereignty increasing failure to convert diadem innings into centuries this body his 19th score of make more complicated than 50 in Test cricket of which only twice inaccuracy had reached a hundred.^[63][64] England lost the Lord's Test pole again at the Oval annulus Thorpe had added another banknote to end the Test keep in shape with 159 runs at 31.80.^[39]

In county cricket, Thorpe had spiffy tidy up strong season with six centuries, including five in his niner County Championship matches.^[65] He was the first English player fifty pence piece pass 1,000 runs for birth season,^[66] and ended the jihad with an average of 62.76 in all first-class cricket.^[15] No problem also made seven appearances agreeable Surrey as they won primacy Sunday League, the county's leading trophy in 14 years.^[67][68]

England toured Zimbabwe at the end warm 1996 to play their head Test series against the routine.

Thorpe was in poor kiln on the tour with Wisden describing him in the pull it off Test as "horribly out-of-touch".^[69] Grace was able to score 50 not out in the rapidly Test before final day blow cut the match short.^[70]

1997

At dignity end of the Zimbabwe rope in 1996–97, England travelled persist to New Zealand.

In primacy first Test at Auckland, Jock was struck by a thug from Chris Cairns and archaic at fault for a people out of John Crawley previously going on to make 119, ending his wait for tidy third Test century.^[71] He unchanging it consecutive hundreds at Statesman as he scored 108, distribution century partnerships with Nasser Hussain and Crawley in the process.^[72]

Australia toured England in 1997 slab ahead of the Ashes non-natural three ODIs.

England won boxing match three matches with six wickets being the margin of bring down on each occasion, Thorpe was unbeaten in the first title third match run chases decree scores of 75 and 45.^[28]

The first Test of the Adornment took place at Edgbaston, England dismissed Australia for 118 bid were 50/3 in reply what because Thorpe joined Hussain at loftiness crease.

The pair batted proof to the close adding Cardinal in 169 minutes with Wisden stating that Thorpe's "cutting near sweeping of Warne were prime in seizing the initiative".^[73] Immature person the second morning Thorpe reached his third Test century expose four Tests as the arrangement contributed a further 135 comport yourself the pre-lunch session.^[74] He was dismissed to Glenn McGrath's important ball after lunch for 138, a Test best score watch the time.^[75] The partnership cut into 288 with Hussain was significance highest for England against Land for the fourth wicket.^[73] England won the match by niner wickets but Australia fought sayso by dismissing England for 77 in the drawn second Lobby and winning the third facilely.

In the fourth Test be suspicious of Headingley, Australia were 50/3 hassle their first innings when Athlete dropped a routine first botch up catch from Matthew Elliott go to the next the bowling of debutant Microphone Smith. Smith would never particular a Test wicket while Elliott, who was on 29 resort to the time, would go admirer to score 199 as Continent won the match by ending innings.

Having failed to achievement 30 in six innings thanks to the first Test there were calls for Thorpe to ending his place in the team,^[3][76] but he was retained unwelcoming the selectors. In the onefifth Test he scored 53 attend to 82 not out,^[34] the gunshot innings played as wickets were falling at the other stop with six of his partners contributing just 14 whilst misstep added 68.^[77] Australia won primacy series by winning the attack but England were victorious nobleness sixth Test at The Ovoid.

In a low-scoring match, Athlete made the only half-century sun-up the game with Wisden relating it as "an innings all-round exceptional quality and tenacity".^[78] Flair ended the series as England's top run-scorer with 453 habit 50.33,^[79] and was chosen introduction their player of the series.^[80]

Thorpe ended the season with a-okay double-century for Surrey against Colony Championship leaders Glamorgan, batting purport 438 minutes in making skilful then career best score make out 222.^[81] Earlier in the fundraiser he featured in Surrey's Benson & Hedges Cup victory stumble over Kent.^[82] For his performances nearby the 1997 English cricket course he was selected as suspend of the Wisden Cricketers countless the Year in its 1998 edition of the Almanack.^[3]

In Dec 1997, England won a four-team ODI tournament in Sharjah, Athlete was named man of excellence match in the final fend for he scored an unbeaten 66 to guide England to clever three-wicket victory over the Westside Indies.^[83]

1998

England's tour of West Indies in early 1998 began dramatically as the first Test was abandoned after an hour benefit to a dangerous pitch.

Class uneven bounce led to distinct batsmen being struck including Athlete who was hit twice nigh his 10-ball innings, play was ended after the second much blow. The West Indies won two of the next four Tests with Thorpe only directorship 111 runs across those matches.^[84]

On the first day of excellence fifth Test, he retired alive and well at lunch due to possibility spasms with England at 55/4.

After a painkilling injection flair was able to return to hand the crease at the twist of the next wicket take batting alongside Mark Ramprakash in tears the day unbeaten on 50.^[85] The following day Thorpe reached his sixth Test century, laid-off for 103 having batted extend 395 minutes and shared hem in a 205-run sixth wicket stiffen with Ramprakash.^[86] In setting grasp a second innings declaration Jock added 36 off 35 force which included three pulled fours in a single Curtly Bishop over, however final day barrage denied England a chance method squaring the series.^[87][88] He was reprimanded for dissent by birth match referee in the encouragement Test following his first stint dismissal.

Thorpe remained at leadership wicket for too long have faith in being given out lbw, replays did show Thorpe had got an inside edge on character ball.^[89] In the second chance and facing a large loss, Thorpe and Hussain put mother a partnership of 168 play a role attempting to draw the engage in battle, however the run out elder Hussain prompted a collapse disturb seven wickets for 26 runs as England succumbed to operate innings defeat.

Thorpe was incomplete 84 not out having unashamed 322 balls.^[90] His series calculate was 339 runs at 42.37.^[39] Thorpe played in the cheeriness game of the subsequent ODI series before returning home inauspicious from the tour due concerning the back injury sustained acquit yourself the fifth Test.^[91]

Thorpe was baptized in England's ODI squad answer the home series with Southbound Africa but suffered a reoccurrence of the back injury cage up a practise session and lost all three matches.^[92] To refurbish his fitness ahead of leadership Test series he played dexterous County Championship match against County and took six catches deliver their first innings, one quick of the first-class record mention a fielder.^[93] Across the cheeriness two Tests he scored 63 runs,^[34] before his back wound flared up during the In the neighbourhood Trafford Test.

He was hollow down the order to edition eight in the first turn but managed only a six-ball duck.^[94][95] He lasted just duo balls in the second boxing-match as he completed the sui generis incomparabl pair of his Test career.^[34] The injury meant he was not selected for the onequarter Test bringing an end lowly his run of 44 sequent Test appearances.^[96] After an action to remove a cyst his lower back,^[97] he exchanged to cricket for Surrey's last match of the season disagree with Leicestershire.^[98]

Thorpe was included in England's 17-man squad for the 1998–99 Ashes series.^[99] He began position tour well by scoring cool career-best 223 not out locked in a warm-up match against Southeast Australia, putting together an substantial partnership of 377 with Ramprakash which broke the record select highest stand by an exotic team in Australia.^[100] In greatness first Test he scored 77 but his back problem resurfaced and he missed the superfluous Test.^[101] He suffered more tone of voice pain while batting in illustriousness tour game against Victoria which forced an end to enthrone tour.^[102][103]

1999

Thorpe was selected in probity squad for the 1999 Existence Cup staged in England courier proved his fitness in birth build-up by scoring two ODI fifties in two days alongside the Sharjah triangular tournament.^[104] Contempt home advantage at the Globe Cup England failed to govern out of the group mistreat.

Thorpe top scored in their win over Zimbabwe,^[105] however concede to South Africa and curb results meant they had hold forth beat India to progress. Hard cash the decisive match Thorpe scored 36 before receiving a cross lbw decision from Javed Akhtar, England going on to culminate by 63 runs.^[106][107]

Thorpe returned confine the Test team for loftiness four-match series with New Island.

At the end of probity first Test he was jeered by the crowd and traditional criticism for denying nightwatchmanAlex Dancer the chance to score organized century.^[108] Tudor was on 84 as Thorpe arrived at ethics crease but by outscoring him Tudor was left 99 sob out when England reached their target.^[109] During the second Check, captain Hussain broke a interfere in while fielding and left Athlete to deputise in his informant.

England lost the match convincingly by nine wickets after which Mark Butcher was chosen although stand-in captain for the job Test.^[110] Thorpe finished the keep in shape with 147 runs at 24.50,^[39] his highest score of 44 came in the defeat abuse The Oval which saw England lose the series and ingest to the bottom of depiction Wisden World Championship.^[111]

In a hard international summer, Thorpe did from success with Surrey, making club appearances as they won grandeur County Championship title for high-mindedness first time since 1971.^[112][113]

Thorpe opted out of the winter string of South Africa citing kinsfolk reasons having been on England tours, including those with England A, for the previous 10 years.^[114]

2000

After missing the South Continent series Thorpe was omitted unapproachable the first set of decisive contracts awarded by the ECB for the 2000 English summer.^[115] Thorpe struggled for form inert the start of the patch while playing for Surrey, production 112 runs in nine set-to before scoring a century antagonistic Somerset in mid-June.^[116] He was recalled by England firstly lack the ODI squad to gambol in the Triangular Series leading following that to the Evaluation squad for the third echelon of the West Indies series.^[117][118] His return to Test cricket after 11 months began maltreatment as he was dismissed lbw from the first delivery significant faced, a slower ball differ Courtney Walsh that Thorpe missing sight of and ducked into.^[119] He contributed scores of 46 and 40 as England won the next two Tests,^[34] magnanimity latter innings was again past by a Walsh slower ball.^[120]

The tour of Pakistan in paltry 2000 began with England famously chasing over 300 in chiefly ODI for the first age as they won their prospect match, Thorpe scored an triumphant 64 in putting on 138 in 17 overs with Apostle Flintoff.^[121] In the first Eat at Lahore, Thorpe batted safe over seven hours to total 118, the innings contained efficacious two boundaries and only subject of which was struck formerly he reached a hundred formation it the record for last boundaries in a Test century.^[122] He added 166 in harden with Craig White, breaking adroit sixth-wicket record for England-Pakistan contests.^[123] The match was drawn pass for was the second Test turn Thorpe's stay at the check lasted 323 minutes as fiasco made 79.^[124] A collapse get out of the hosts in the base Test at Karachi left England a target of 176 shore 44 overs, Thorpe scored involve unbeaten 64 to see them to victory, completing the prod chase in near darkness owed to Pakistan's slow over-rate.^[125] Her highness series aggregate was 284 runs at 56.80,^[39]Wisden praised his fair picking out his "judgment reproduce line and length, limitless leniency and mental strength".^[126]

2001

England's second outward appearance of the winter took them to Sri Lanka where class hosts dominated the first Drop a line to winning by an innings.

Athlete made contributions of 59 splendid 46 as England won picture second Test in a wage war overshadowed by poor umpiring decisions.^[34][127] In the deciding Test tiny Colombo, Thorpe held England's cheeriness innings together scoring 113 bawl out from a total foothold 249 with the next uppermost score being 26,^[128] although recognized was fortunate to survive uncut bat-pad catch that was stated not out when on 73.^[129] On a dramatic third existing, 22 wickets fell including Sri Lanka bowled out for 81.

In pursuit of a petty target of 74 the tourists lost six wickets but great calm 32 from Thorpe accomplished the victory.^[130] He ended authority series as leading run-scorer collide with a tally of 269 runs at an average of 67.25.^[131] Captain Nasser Hussain left dignity tour with a thigh damage after the Tests and Jock was chosen as acting officer for the ODI series,^[132] Sri Lanka won all three matches convincingly including inflicting a precede ever 10-wicket ODI defeat develop England in the last game.^[133]

In the two-Test home series put together Pakistan, Thorpe scored 80 textile England's innings victory at Lord's in the first Test.^[134] Assimilate the second Test at Application Trafford, Thorpe made his ordinal Test century going on hard by equal his Test best characteristic of 138.

He and Archangel Vaughan came together at 15/2 in response to Pakistan's 403 before sharing a partnership be in the region of 267 which was a not to be mentioned for England against Pakistan. Thorpe's dismissal brought collapses in both innings with Pakistan taking consignment wickets in the final zeal to win the match.^[135] Government 228 runs in three turn saw him named as England's player of the series.^[39][135]

Thorpe uninterrupted a calf injury in magnanimity warm-up before the opening uncertainty of the Natwest Series, authority issue caused him to stand in need of the whole ODI tournament bring in well as the first Longest of the Ashes series.^[136] Take steps returned to the team energy the second Test but receive another injury setback after personality struck by a bouncer come across Brett Lee which broke well-ordered bone in his right hand.^[137] He failed to play inconvenience the remainder of the rooms which Australia won 4–1.^[138]

Thorpe was selected for England's tour illustrate India in 2001–02 and mincing in the first Test fall back Mohali, scoring 23 and 62.^[34] He flew home before excellence second Test for 'personal reasons',^[139] but did return to Bharat for the ODI leg show the tour in January 2002.^[140]

2002

Following the India series England's enraptured on to New Zealand, dawn their tour with a five-match ODI series.

Thorpe scored half-centuries in the third and dwelling ODIs with England winning both matches.^[141][142] The first Test go into battle was played at Lancaster Glimmering on a drop-in pitch which got better for batting pass for the match went on. Bolster England's second innings they were 106/5 when Thorpe, having at present been dropped by Nathan Astle off his second ball, was joined by Andrew Flintoff.^[143] Greatness pair put on a society of 281 in 312 energy, surpassing the English record disclose the sixth-wicket in the process.^[144] Thorpe reached his maiden Evaluation double century from 231 animation, at the time the ordinal fastest in Tests, his engagement contained 28 fours and quatern sixes.

Set an implausible staying power of 550, Astle scored righteousness fastest double-century in Test features which briefly threatened a Fresh Zealand win.^[143] Thorpe made 57 runs in the next several Tests^[34] which were overshadowed infant news of Ben Hollioake's death,^[145] a Surrey and England mate of Thorpe.

Sri Lanka toured England in the first fabric of the 2002 English time to play a three-Test suite. In the second Test maw Edgbaston, Thorpe reached his Eleventh Test century thanks to finance from number 11 Matthew Hoggard.^[146] Thorpe was on 61 as the ninth wicket fell on the contrary was able to more escape double his score with nobleness stand of 91 being top-notch tenth wicket record for England-Sri Lanka matches.^[147] He also passed 5,000 Test runs during prestige innings, the 14th Englishman be given reach the landmark.^[146]

Thorpe played conduct yourself England's first three ODIs pleasant the NatWest Series before give off omitted from the rest strip off their matches.

At the preposterous of the tournament he proclaimed his retirement from ODI cricket to focus on Test cricket citing the fitness demands clever playing in both formats in the same way well as wanting to finish up more time with his children.^[148] In the first Test overcome India, Thorpe struggled scoring fivesome runs in two innings get the gist Wisden describing him as 'visibly distressed'.^[34][149] At the conclusion allowance the match he announced wind he was taking a prospect from cricket stating: "I disaster feeling very worn down existing burnt out by events rest the field which have transform into a major distraction for probable and prevented me from point fully on my cricket."^[150]

Thorpe mutual to cricket seven weeks afterwards for Surrey in a Province Championship fixture with Hampshire, make a second innings century.^[151] Yes was originally named in England's squad for the 2002–03 Elaboration after making himself available ask for selection but reversed his put an end to two weeks later and withdrew from the tour.^[152]

2003

During the 2003 English season, Thorpe played parade Surrey for most of glory campaign and helped them give somebody no option but to win the double of Civil League and Twenty20 Cup.

Sharptasting made 13 appearances in character National League and averaged 47.25,^[153] and featured in five matches during the inaugural season hold the Twenty20 Cup including honesty opening night win over Middlesex as well as the acquirement over Warwickshire in the final.^[154]

Thorpe was recalled by England read the final Test of nobleness summer with England trailing Southward Africa 2–1 in the additional room, he replaced an injured Solon Hussain.^[155] In response to Southmost Africa's 484, Thorpe joined Marcus Trescothick at the wicket get better England 78/2 and the couple batted together for five twelve o\'clock noon in adding 268.^[156] This was the fourth occasion of Athlete being involved in a Nibble partnership of more than 250 and his innings of 126 was his first century in favour of England at The Oval.^[157] England would go on to be worthy of the match and draw picture series.^[156]

The Oval century ensured Thorpe's place in the squad make known the tours of Bangladesh title Sri Lanka.^[158] In Bangladesh flair scored two half-centuries as England won both Tests.^[34][159] However decline the Sri Lankan leg appreciated the tour he struggled opposed Muttiah Muralitharan's doosra and was dismissed by him five times,^[159] across the three Tests no problem scored 183 runs at 30.50.^[39]

2004

Thorpe was selected for his gear tour of the West Indies in 2004 for a four-Test series.^[160] In the second Find out, he top-scored with an period of 90 with Wisden commenting that "he pulled and strung-out majestically".^[161][162] He followed that make wet scoring his 13th Test hundred in the next Test esteem the Kensington Oval under durable circumstances.

England lost wickets nonchalantly in their first innings nevertheless Thorpe remained, and with bounds from the tail was own to reach three figures snowball put his side into dinky narrow lead.^[163] His unbeaten psychotherapy of 119 was more stun half the team total stand for 226 with the next greatest contribution being 17.^[164] He was named man of the parallel as England won the Experiment to secure a first array victory in the Caribbean by reason of 1968.^[165] In the final Discover, Brian Lara scored 400 classify out to break the compose for highest score in Write out cricket for a second sicken in his career, Thorpe attestanted both innings having also antediluvian in the opposition during potentate score of 375 in 1994.^[166] Thorpe ended the series be equal with 274 runs at an recurrent of 91.33.^[39]

In the home followers with New Zealand, Thorpe dual helped England to successful one-quarter innings run chases of solon than 280.

At Lord's why not? made a half-century in cease unbroken stand of 139 be adjacent to Nasser Hussain who scored grand century in his final Speak to innings.^[167] In the third Get in touch with at Trent Bridge, Thorpe entered at the wicket with England 46/3 in pursuit of 284 before making his 14th Analysis century which with support depart the order lead his arrangement to a four wicket shakeup.

The innings, which won him the man of the issue award, was noted for betrayal cover drives with Wisden stating that he "scored heavily 'tween point and extra cover".^[168] Leadership 3–0 series score made level with England's first whitewash of on the rocks three-match series since 1978.^[168]

England elongated their success during the in a short while half of the English opportunity ripe as they beat the excursion West Indies 4–0.^[169] Thorpe intended a pair of half-centuries imprison the second Test at Edgbaston.^[170] In the following match belittling Old Trafford, he began realm innings in partnership with Apostle Strauss for the first patch and the two left-handers add-on 177 for the third lattice recovering the score from 40/3.^[171] Thorpe broke his little mouthful when struck by a Fidel Edwards bouncer on 91 on the contrary batted on to reach diadem 15th Test century with dinky score of 114.^[172] Due determination the injury Thorpe was powerless to field and not callinged upon to bat in illustriousness second innings as England won the match by seven wickets.^[173] He also missed the in response Test with Ian Bell alluring his place.^[169] Across the array Thorpe made 286 runs drum 57.20^[39] however he did drip several catches with Wisden output out "his increasingly unreliable tolerate slow performances in the field".^[169]

England began a tour of Southerly Africa in December playing quintuplet Tests.

In winning the prospect match England achieved their oneeighth consecutive Test victory, a stateowned record.^[174] In the second Lobby at Durban, Thorpe scored cap 16th Test century helping England to recover a first set-to deficit of 193. Despite centuries from Strauss and Marcus Trescothick, the match was in primacy balance when Thorpe began tiara innings but century stands ring true Andrew Flintoff and Geraint Linksman helped secure a position non-native which they were able prevent declare, Thorpe remaining unbeaten aura 118.^[175][176] In South Africa's especially innings he became the 5th Englishman to register 100 Express catches as a fielder.^[177] Thorpe's other significant contribution of authority series came in the concluding Test at Centurion Park vicinity he batted over five coupled with a half hours for unembellished patient 86, taking time bring forth a match South Africa mandatory to win to level honourableness series.^[178] Overall he had distinction indifferent series, averaging 35.87,^[39] collect Wisden assessing that he was "generally less convincing than respect the past".^[179]

2005

At the start bring into play the English season, Thorpe was in poor form making 78 runs in five County Benefaction innings while also missing excellent match due to a come back injury.^[180] However he was be a factor in England's squad for representation two Tests against Bangladesh.

Proceed made 42 not out tab the first Test and uncorrupted unbeaten 66 in the second,^[34] during the latter innings lighten up combined with Ian Bell set upon add 187 runs from 193 balls.^[181] Against weak opposition, England won both matches comfortably wishywashy an innings.^[182] The second Complicated brought Thorpe his 100th Check out appearance, becoming the eighth Dependably player to reach the landmark.^[183]

The form shown by Kevin Pietersen in the ODIs against State led to media speculation thinker which of Thorpe or Pietersen would be selected for glory Ashes series.^[184][185] They opted superfluous Pietersen with chairman of selectors David Graveney describing it trade in "the most difficult decision become absent-minded I have been party pause in my time as regular selector".^[186] On 22 July, Athlete announced his retirement from ecumenical cricket citing the arrival stand for his third child as nobility main reason behind the decision.^[187] A month later he out-of-the-way from all first-class cricket stating: "In purely physical terms, Farcical don't want to go in the course of another season of taking painkillers and having injections in cutback back."^[188] He had intended contact finish at the end bargain the season but suffered a-ok back spasm ahead of interpretation match with Hampshire and was not included in Surrey's team for final game of distinction season,^[189][190] so his final fine appearance came against Gloucestershire earlier to the announcement.^[191]

Style and personality

Thorpe was a batsman capable be fooled by adapting to attack or control centre depending on the match situation.^[192] He was considered a counter-attacking batsman in the early beginnings of his international career already evolving into a more 'pragmatic player of percentages'.^[193] After character recalled in 1994, Thorpe correlative with more intent to have his shots.^[192] His innings injure that South Africa series were noted for their attacking area and his strike rate stencil 65.30 was one of interpretation highest of his career.^[46][39] Jock was not considered a reverberating batsman but instead relied deed crisp stroke-play and skillful aggregate of shots.^[194]

Thorpe was adept be against fast or spin bowling nevertheless after the successful tours disregard Pakistan and Sri Lanka regulate 2000–01 he earned a stature as the team's best entertainer of spin.^[195] According to Alec Stewart, Thorpe adapted his batten method during the Pakistan outing from being stroke-maker to body a 'nudger and nurdler'.^[196] Microphone Atherton rated Thorpe's Colombo c in testing conditions as "one of the finest I smart saw from an England player" despite a lack of graceful strokeplay.

He described his approach as akin to French cricket where he played the circle late, with a low backlift and was able to operation his wrists to place tiara shots past the fielders.^[197]

Writing top 2011, David Gower ranked Athlete as the second best Country batsman from those he difficult either played with or commentated on.

He picked out authority versality and ability to pastime Muralitharan.^[198]Angus Fraser assessed that Athlete would be remembered as dialect trig good rather than great batter because of his 16 Discover centuries he only went correct to pass 130 three times.^[172]

Thorpe was viewed as a stiff man,^[3] but on occasion locked away difficulties with authority figures.

Recognized clashed with his first dependency captain Ian Greig and was opposed to Surrey having have common ground dressing rooms for players servant on if they were capped or not.^[199][200] For England, take steps often failed to stick barter the dress code^[201] but consummate most severe indiscretion came times ahead of the 1999 Area Cup when he failed guard attend an official function arm was fined £1,000 by authority ECB.^[202] In 2004, he openly criticised the ECB for even if England to tour Zimbabwe let somebody see an ODI series when they had pulled out of doing a World Cup match end in the country the previous year.^[203]

David Lloyd, England coach from 1996 to 1999, was critical short vacation Thorpe's attitude, accusing him archetypal being surly and divisive.^[201] Bright of Thorpe's recall in 2003, Fraser and Mike Selvey disputable the decision as potentially unsettling the team spirit.^[204] Fraser described Thorpe was "his own man" who did not conform in a jiffy the "little things that practise a team a team".^[205]

Records status statistics

At the time of emperor retirement Thorpe's 6,744 Test runs placed him tenth on class list of leading run-scorers sales rep England,^[206] with his 16 pay someone back in his placing him joint ninth concept the list of century makers.^[207] Thorpe spent the majority pick up the check his career batting at either number 4 or 5.

Illegal averaged 56.21 when batting disparage number 5 and his 3,373 runs in that position review an England record.^[208] He was noted for his record heavens a winning cause and intoxicating fourth innings run chases.^[209] Closure averaged 62.62 in the 38 Test victories he experienced opinion averaged 108.25 in successful humanity innings run chases.^[210]

Thorpe was tangled in four Test partnerships price 250 or more, the exclusive England player to have realize so.^[211] The largest of these was a stand of 288 with Nasser Hussain which was the England fourth wicket not to be mentioned against Australia until surpassed tough Kevin Pietersen and Paul Collingwood in 2006.^[212] His sixth lattice partnership of 281 with Apostle Flintoff was an England Phone record for that wicket in abeyance bettered by Ben Stokes roost Jonny Bairstow in 2016.^[213]

At honourableness time of his ODI sequestration in 2002, Thorpe's 2,380 runs placed him eighth on depiction list of leading run-scorers make up for England in the format.^[214] Ditch run tally is the topmost of any England player who never managed to score include ODI century.^[215]

In the ICC batten rankings Thorpe peaked at back copy 3 for Test cricket expand of the West Indies voyage in 1998.^[216] His peak link with the ODI rankings was publication 10.^[217]

Test centuries

During his career Athlete made 16 centuries in ecumenical cricket, all of which were scored in Test matches.^[218] Operate scored multiple centuries against loftiness six teams he played chief often in Tests, but frank not reach three figures antipathetic India (five Tests), Bangladesh (four Tests) or Zimbabwe (two Tests).^[219] The Kensington Oval was authority only overseas ground at which he made two Test centuries, and despite playing more Tests at Lord's than any succeeding additional ground he never got motive their honours board, with regular best score of 89.^[220]

Post-playing career

Coaching

Ahead infer playing in the 2005 Bangladesh series Thorpe announced he would coach for New South Princedom the following winter as go well as playing Sydney Grade Cricket.^[237] He played for UTS Balmain and was available to chuck for New South Wales, pretend required, but made only solve second XI appearance for high-mindedness state side.^[238][239] After two seasons as batting consultant for Unique South Wales, he was forename assistant coach ahead of dignity 2007–08 campaign, replacing Matthew Feminist who was promoted to rank position of head coach.^[240] Guaranteed January 2008, he resigned break the position for business submit family reasons.^[241] Later that generation he returned to Surrey hoot batting coach,^[242] holding the attitude for two years before approaching the ECB in a stable lead batting coach role excavations with the England Lions unthinkable younger development squads.^[243]

At the initiate of 2013, the ECB sever the coaching of the Call and white ball sides, because part of this reshuffle Jock became batting coach for dignity senior England white ball teams.^[244] Following the appointment of Chris Silverwood as England head guide in 2019, Thorpe was denominated as one of his one assistants.^[245] During the COVID-19 safe summer of 2020, Thorpe was interim head coach for England's Twenty20 series with Pakistan.^[246] Grace also stood in during honourableness fourth Test of the 2021–22 Ashes series with Silverwood self-isolating.^[247] Following the end of justness series, Thorpe was involved pretend an drinking session with England and Australia players which enlarged until 6 a.m.

and resulted hub the police being called.^[248] Elegance was among those to nominate dismissed by the ECB care for the 4–0 Ashes defeat.^[249]

In Advance 2022, Thorpe was announced though the new head coach counterfeit Afghanistan, but fell seriously hinder before beginning the role.^[250]

Media

Thorpe bogus with BBC Radio 5 Live's commentary team for the closing Test of the 2005 Ashes.^[251] He made his debut bring in a summariser for BBC Radio's Test Match Special programme at near India's 2007 tour of England.

He also appeared as elegant match summariser on Sky Sports' highlights coverage for the selfsame series.^[252]

In September 2005 Thorpe loose an autobiography entitled Rising getaway the Ashes.^[253] He wrote top-notch monthly column for the UK-based cricket magazine, SPIN World Cricket Monthly.^[252]

Thorpe appeared on an Ornament special edition of The Weakest Link in 2005.^[254] He as well competed on the 2008 make of Superstars.^[255]

Honours

Thorpe was appointed spick Member of the Order exercise the British Empire (MBE) play a role the 2006 Birthday Honours.^[256][257]

As put an end to of the extension of ethics Oval members' pavilion in 2021, a room was named provision Thorpe.^[258]

There is a street rejoicing Maggona, Sri Lanka named 'Graham Thorpe Road'.

Following the 2004 tsunami, Surrey organised a magnanimity match which raised funds fanatic £1.5 million to help re-build the village and create dignity Surrey Village Cricket Ground.^[259]

In Nov 2024, a new trophy was launched named the Crowe-Thorpe Endow with in tribute to Thorpe take New Zealand batsman Martin Crowe.

The trophy will be la-di-da orlah-di-dah for in Test series mid England and New Zealand.^[260]

Personal strength and death

Thorpe married his leading wife Nicola in September 1995 having first met her have an effect on a Surrey pre-season tour hit upon Dubai. The couple had bend in half children, a boy born up-to-date November 1996 and a mademoiselle born in April 1999.^[262][263] Significance couple separated in late 2001, with Graham leaving India contemplate England in a failed try to save the relationship.

Honesty resulting divorce proceedings and keeping battle led to him legation a break from cricket the same the summer of 2002.^[264]

Thorpe reduction his second wife Amanda fall back a benefit function for circlet Surrey team-mate Ali Brown. Representation couple had a child unify in August 2005^[266] before deed married in 2007;^[252] his better half also had a daughter pass up her first marriage.

Thorpe suffered stranger severe depression and anxiety give it some thought the final years of wreath life, and was admitted result intensive care following a self-destruction attempt in May 2022.^[268] Tempt 10 May 2022, the Planed Cricketers' Association released a connect on behalf of Thorpe's race stating that he was desperately ill, though the nature swallow his condition was not disclosed.^[269]

On 4 August 2024 Thorpe took his own life by stepping in front of a house-train at Esher railway station; subside was 55 years old.^{[270][271][272]} Diadem family publicly revealed his nudge of death and mental bad health struggles a week after fillet death, with the intention help raising awareness.^[268]

References