Graham Thorpe: Former England and Surrey batter dies aged 55

Former England batter Graham Thorpe has died aged 55.

Thorpe played 100 Tests for England between 1993 and 2005, scoring 6,744 runs at an average of 44.66, including 16 centuries.

He 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. The Surrey left-hander also played 82 one-day internationals.

“There seem to be no appropriate words to describe the deep shock we feel at Graham's death,” said the ECB in a statement. “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 team-mates 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.”

England Test captain Ben Stokes paid tribute to Thorpe with a love heart emoji alongside a picture on his social media channels, while Joe Root labelled him as a "hero" in an emotional post on his Instagram story.

"Hero, mentor and so much more! Rest in peace and thanks for everything," Root said. Stuart Broad added on his Instagram story: "Genuinely gutted. Loved Thorpey. As a kid I would run in from the garden to watch him bat. The Kookaburra Bubble and that famous knee up pull shot.

"Got to know him through his coaching roles with England and he was a wonderful person with a beautiful family. Thinking of everyone who knew him today and everyone who was inspired by him."

Michael Vaughan, who captained Thorpe towards the end of his Test career, wrote on X: "RIP Thorpey. Thanks for all the advice throughout my career, you were a great player and a brilliant team-mate. 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."

Current England opener Ben Duckett also wrote on X, saying: "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."

Thorpe played 189 first-class matches for Surrey and scored 49 first-class centuries, averaging 45.04.

Surrey CCC chair Oli Slipper said: “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.

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

Thorpe stayed in cricket after his retirement from playing in 2005, moving to New South Wales where he worked with a young Steve Smith and David Warner. He returned to work with England between 2010 and 2022.