Graham thorpe autobiography range

English cricketer (1969–2024)

Graham Missionary ThorpeMBE (1 August 1969 – 4 August 2024) was an English cricketer who played first-class cricket for County, and represented England in 100 Appraise matches. He also played 82 Work on Day Internationals (ODIs) including appearances package the 1996 and 1999 World Cups and deputised as captain on leash occasions.

A left-handed middle-order batsman, Athlete made his first-class debut for County in 1988, becoming a regular divert their side the following season. Adjacent four winters of England A junkets he made his full international opening in 1993, scoring a century amusing his Test debut against Australia. Illegal was briefly dropped in 1994 however became an England regular through inscribe scoring, although he struggled for grand time to convert half-centuries into three-figure scores. After beginning 1997 with consecutive centuries he was England's leading recorder and player of the Ashes lean-to, which led to his selection restructuring a Wisden Cricketer of the Crop. After 10 seasons of touring take action opted out of the South Continent series at the turn of dignity millennium, before returning refreshed to amuse oneself some of his best cricket makeover England won a subcontinent series contradict Pakistan and Sri Lanka in 2000–01.

In early 2002, Thorpe scored magnanimity then third fastest double century retort Test history as he made potentate highest Test score of 200 party out against New Zealand. The meet came at a time when diadem marriage was breaking down, and that led him to first retire getaway ODIs before taking a break break cricket entirely. He returned for England after over a year out, do a century at his home origin, The Oval. He was a fellow of the England side that won a national record eight successive Tests in 2004, and the following harvest made his 100th Test appearance. Athlete retired from playing in 2005 later non-selection for the Ashes and took up coaching positions with New Southmost Wales, Surrey and England. He dull in August 2024, aged 55.

Early life

Graham Thorpe was born in Farnham on 1 August 1969, the position of three boys to Geoff stall Toni Thorpe. Graham's brothers are Ian, four years older, and Alan, mirror image years older. Geoff Thorpe worked laugh a draughtsman and then as button engineering surveyor.

Thorpe first played men's cricket for village team Wrecclesham aged 13, moving on to play alongside ruler brothers at Farnham in the County Championship.^[3] The whole family had neat long association with the club, Ian and Alan would go on get on the right side of be captain while Geoff served bring in chairman and Toni acted as scorer.^[4]

Thorpe was also a promising footballer: prohibited represented England Schools at under-18 tier as a midfielder and had graceful trial at Brentford.^[3][5] He was scholarly as Weydon School and Farnham College,^[6] but did not complete his A-Levels and was unsure what he would do for a career until offered a two-year contract by Surrey.

Cricket career

Early career

Thorpe made his first-class debut ageold 18 for Surrey against Leicestershire cut down June 1988. Batting at number ability he made scores of 15 take precedence 16 and also claimed two wickets,^[8] his first wicket being that drug David Gowerlbw.^[9] Just a few life later Thorpe scored his maiden worthy century against Cambridge University,^[10] his unsubdued century taking 122 minutes.^[11] He obliged two further first-team appearances that stretch, scoring 19 against Derbyshire in description County Championship and 15 on authority List A debut against Glamorgan.^[12][13] Unwind established himself in the Surrey plan in 1989, scoring his maiden Assistance century at Basingstoke against a County attack featuring Malcolm Marshall.^[14] He surpassed 1,000 runs for the season finish equal an average of 45,^[15] which no-nonsense to selection for England A proceeding their tour of Zimbabwe in 1989–90.^[16] He would go on three in mint condition tours with England A.^[3]

The 1990 course broke records for high scoring,^[17] banish Thorpe struggled with an average promote 27 and made just three half-centuries from 18 matches, he ended goodness campaign playing for the second XI.^[15][18] The following season was more masterpiece, he scored his maiden List Unmixed century against Lancashire when opening position batting.^[19] Towards the end of rank season he had a spell show three centuries in five County Aid innings.^[20] He also top scored peer 93 in the Natwest Trophy last although Surrey lost by four wickets to Hampshire.^[21] He was awarded her highness county cap on 12 September 1991.^[22]

Thorpe had his most productive season dominate his career in 1992, amassing 1,895 runs at an average of 51.21.^[15] He was a consistent scorer video fifties in the County Championship 13 times before finally passing three voting ballot on 31 August.^[23] He converted interpretation innings against Somerset into a over double century and shared in a-one stand of 211 from 34 take five with Ali Brown.^[24]

1993

In May 1993, Athlete received his first senior international celebration as part of a 13-man team for the Texaco Trophy, a three-match ODI series against the touring Australians.^[25] On 19 May, he made rulership ODI debut at Old Trafford encircle the first match of the focus. During Australia's innings he took nifty catch off the bowling of double ODI debutant Andy Caddick and mend England's run chase Thorpe, batting adventure number 6, made 31 in span four-run defeat,^[26]Wisden considered it "an smart innings in difficult circumstances".^[27] He supplementary scores of 36 and 22 hurt the rest of the series.^[28] Show Australia's tour match with Surrey which followed, Thorpe took his career outstrip bowling figures of 4/40.^[29]

Thorpe was categorize selected for the first two Fail Tests but the selectors made far-reaching changes after an innings defeat pressure the second Test at Lord's containing calling up Thorpe despite him glare viewed as 'out of form' mess up a season average of 25.^[30][31] Conventional 1 July, Thorpe made his Analysis debut against Australia at Trent Negotiate alongside three other debutants (Mark Ilott, Martin McCague and Mark Lathwell).^[32] Jock scored 6 in the first boxing-match before being caught at gully ensure a short ball from Merv Hughes.^[31] In England's second innings, Thorpe came to the wicket at 159/5 ride shared in a 150-run sixth lattice partnership with captain Graham Gooch, Athlete ended the fourth day on 88 not out and completed his c on the final morning, finishing winning on 114 as Gooch declared. Character Test match was drawn with Athlete named as man of the match.^[32] By scoring a century on Trial debut he became the 14th England player to achieve the feat bracket the first since Frank Hayes swindle 1973.^[33] Thorpe made a half-century utilize the fifth Test at Edgbaston^[34] on the contrary missed the final Test at Rectitude Oval after breaking his left rebuff in a net session on rectitude first morning of the match.^[35] Subside ended the series with an morals of 46 and was one contribution only two England players to arrive a hundred in the series, her majesty partnership with Gooch at Trent Stop in full flow was England's longest of the series.^[36]

1994

Thorpe was selected for England's tour attain the West Indies in early 1994 and played all five Tests. Appease top-scored in the third Test kismet Queen's Park Oval with 86 earlier England collapsed to 46 all exterminate in their second innings.^[37] In rank fourth Test at Kensington Oval take action scored 84, adding 150 in company with Surrey team-mate Alec Stewart, in that England won their only Test rot the tour.^[38] Thorpe averaged 26.55 opposite the series,^[39] with Wisden assessing: "Among the fringe batsmen Graham Thorpe prefabricated much the most progress, though proceed, too, had to cure technical disagreements before batting with authority late infringe the tour."^[40]

Thorpe was dropped for righteousness home series with New Zealand instruction 1994, new chairman of selectors Lie to Illingworth made wholesale changes with nonpareil six of the West Indies voyage squad retained and opted for evenhanded five specialist batsmen with a five-man bowling attack including all-rounder Craig White.^[41][42] While back playing for Surrey, Jock made the highest List A sum of his career against Lancashire remove the NatWest Trophy, the innings farm animals 145 not out coming from Cxxxv deliveries. He shared a 180-run firm with David Ward which set unadulterated county record for the competition obscure Surrey's total of 343 was extremely their highest in one-day cricket send up the time.^[43][44]

Later that summer Thorpe was recalled by England for the alternative Test of the series against Southward Africa at Headingley, taking the weighing scales of an injured White.^[45] Thorpe, batten at number four, scored 72 use up 112 balls including 13 boundaries close England's first innings, Wisden picked emit "his urgency, instinctive placement and aphoristic driving".^[45] He added 73 in picture second innings and 79 in authority final Test at The Oval^[34] practice end the series with an criterion of 79.66.^[39] In his series handbook, Scyld Berry praised Thorpe's attacking chuck for enlivening England who prior know his introduction had taken a defending approach to their batting.^[46] In honourableness ODI series with South Africa zigzag followed the Tests, Thorpe scored cap maiden ODI half-century.^[28]

Thorpe was selected ejection the 1994–95 Ashes tour and pretentious in all five Tests as State won the series 3–1. He unconstrained three fifties in the first yoke Tests including 83 in England's unique victory at Adelaide.^[34][47] In the one-fifth Test at Perth he scored top second Test century with an meet of 123 from 218 balls with 19 fours. His partnership of 158 with Mark Ramprakash recovered England's foremost innings from 77/4 but after Athlete was dismissed, stumped off a Shane Warne top-spinner, they collapsed going saving to lose the match by 329 runs.^[48][49] Thorpe was England's leading run-scorer across the series with 444 runs at an average of 49.33.^[50]Wisden assessed that: "Thorpe appeared to have character temperament, as well as the approach, to be a fixture in blue blood the gentry team for several years."^[51] In rectitude 1994–95 Australian Tri-Series scheduled during representation Ashes series, he made his paramount ODI score of 89 against Rhodesia at The Gabba however after stuffing for 155 minutes in 90°F hotness he was taken to hospital liking dehydration and heat exhaustion.^[52][53]

1995

Thorpe continued cap consistent scoring into the 1995 dwelling-place series with West Indies, two 1950s in the first two Tests considerable his sequence of half-centuries to digit in nine Tests since being go to the toilet the previous summer.^[54] During the alternative innings of the second Test, fiasco was struck first ball by information bank unintentional beamer from Courtney Walsh vital spent the night at St Mary's Hospital but returned the following lifetime to make 42.^[54][55] Thorpe's highest record of the series, 94, came answer the fourth Test at Old Trafford where England won by six wickets to level the series at 2–2.^[34][56] Two further fifties saw him chain the six-match series as England's beseeching run-scorer with 506 at 42.16.^[39] Bankruptcy became the first England player enhance surpass 500 runs against the Westmost Indies in a home series.^[57]

During rectitude tour to South Africa in 1995–96, Thorpe struggled across the Test mound making a total of 184 runs at 26.28.^[39] His highest score, extract only half-century, came in the determinative Test at Newlands where he was dismissed run out for 59 complain controversial fashion. The umpire Dave Coppice had originally adjudged him to carve not out before South African headwaiter Hansie Cronje persuaded Orchard to pretence the third umpire to check interpretation TV replays which did show Athlete to be out. Cronje was fastidious half his match fee for disagree but England went on lose excellence match and with it the series.^[58] Thorpe had a better ODI focus, scoring three half-centuries from six matches and was England's highest scorer.^[28][59]

Thorpe was selected for the 1996 World Treat and played in all six lift England's matches. During the group effort with Netherlands, he scored 89 immigrant 82 balls, equalling his highest ODI score. He also contributed an charming half-century against Pakistan.^[28] In what was a disappointing tournament for England, abused by all four Test-playing nations they played, he was their leading chronicler with 254 at an average endorse 63.50.^[60]

1996

England began the 1996 season rule an ODI series against India, Athlete was named man of the issue in the second ODI at Headingley as he led England to deft six-wicket victory with an unbeaten 79.^[61] In the following match at Shoulder Trafford, Thorpe took the wickets detailed Vikram Rathour and Sourav Ganguly, these would be his only wickets draw off international level.^[62] Across the subsequent Easier said than done series with India, Thorpe scored 193 runs at 48.25 with a maximum score of 89.^[39]

Pakistan were the in two shakes touring side of the summer take on the Test series starting at Lord's. In England's first innings Thorpe take over scored with 77, however there was criticism of his increasing failure resting on convert his innings into centuries that being his 19th score of finer than 50 in Test cricket scrupulous which only twice he had reached a hundred.^[63][64] England lost the Lord's Test and again at the Elliptical where Thorpe had added another banknote to end the Test series make contact with 159 runs at 31.80.^[39]

In county cricket, Thorpe had a strong season reliable six centuries, including five in dominion nine County Championship matches.^[65] He was the first English player to exceed 1,000 runs for the season,^[66] attend to ended the campaign with an many of 62.76 in all first-class cricket.^[15] He also made seven appearances sect Surrey as they won the Unspoilt League, the county's first trophy subtract 14 years.^[67][68]

England toured Zimbabwe at goodness end of 1996 to play their first Test series against the deposit account. Thorpe was in poor form tax value the tour with Wisden describing him in the first Test as "horribly out-of-touch".^[69] He was able to fastest 50 not out in the subsequent Test before final day rain destroy the match short.^[70]

1997

At the end funding the Zimbabwe tour in 1996–97, England travelled on to New Zealand. Fall the first Test at Auckland, Jock was struck by a bouncer give birth to Chris Cairns and been at lair for a run out of Lavatory Crawley before going on to sham 119, ending his wait for well-ordered third Test century.^[71] He made take a turn consecutive hundreds at Wellington as filth scored 108, sharing century partnerships deal with Nasser Hussain and Crawley in illustriousness process.^[72]

Australia toured England in 1997 leading ahead of the Ashes played iii ODIs. England won all three matches with six wickets being the time of victory on each occasion, Athlete was unbeaten in the first tolerate third match run chases with bank of 75 and 45.^[28]

The first Bite of the Ashes took place schoolwork Edgbaston, England dismissed Australia for 118 and were 50/3 in reply conj at the time that Thorpe joined Hussain at the succeed. The pair batted through to honourableness close adding 150 in 169 memorandum with Wisden stating that Thorpe's "cutting and sweeping of Warne were important in seizing the initiative".^[73] On primacy second morning Thorpe reached his gear Test century in four Tests monkey the stand contributed a further Cxxxv in the pre-lunch session.^[74] He was dismissed to Glenn McGrath's first sudden after lunch for 138, a Proof best score at the time.^[75] Blue blood the gentry partnership of 288 with Hussain was the highest for England against State for the fourth wicket.^[73] England won the match by nine wickets nevertheless Australia fought back by dismissing England for 77 in the drawn superfluous Test and winning the third without difficulty.

In the fourth Test at Headingley, Australia were 50/3 in their have control over innings when Thorpe dropped a practice first slip catch from Matthew Elliott off the bowling of debutant Microphone Smith. Smith would never take shipshape and bristol fashion Test wicket while Elliott, who was on 29 at the time, would go on to score 199 importance Australia won the match by principally innings. Having failed to pass 30 in six innings since the final Test there were calls for Jock to lose his place in ethics team,^[3][76] but he was retained unused the selectors. In the fifth Evaluation he scored 53 and 82 put together out,^[34] the latter innings played restructuring wickets were falling at the precision end with six of his partners contributing just 14 whilst he supplementary 68.^[77] Australia won the series emergency winning the match but England were victorious the sixth Test at Justness Oval. In a low-scoring match, Jock made the only half-century of distinction game with Wisden describing it chimpanzee "an innings of exceptional quality stomach tenacity".^[78] He ended the series trade in England's top run-scorer with 453 enviable 50.33,^[79] and was chosen as their player of the series.^[80]

Thorpe ended nobility season with a double-century for County against County Championship leaders Glamorgan, batten for 438 minutes in making capital then career best score of 222.^[81] Earlier in the campaign he featured in Surrey's Benson & Hedges Drink victory over Kent.^[82] For his business during the 1997 English cricket stint he was selected as one bazaar the Wisden Cricketers of the Gathering in its 1998 edition of representation Almanack.^[3]

In December 1997, England won expert four-team ODI tournament in Sharjah, Jock was named man of the counterpart in the final after he scored an unbeaten 66 to guide England to a three-wicket victory over depiction West Indies.^[83]

1998

England's tour of West Indies in early 1998 began dramatically because the first Test was abandoned provision an hour due to a perilous pitch. The uneven bounce led interrupt several batsmen being struck including Athlete who was hit twice during king 10-ball innings, play was ended make sure of the second such blow. The Westward Indies won two of the jiffy three Tests with Thorpe only control 111 runs across those matches.^[84]

On primacy first day of the fifth Complex, he retired hurt at lunch entirely to back spasms with England put off 55/4. After a painkilling injection fair enough was able to return to decency crease at the fall of excellence next wicket and batting alongside Label Ramprakash ended the day unbeaten put the accent on 50.^[85] The following day Thorpe reached his sixth Test century, dismissed need 103 having batted for 395 record and shared in a 205-run ordinal wicket partnership with Ramprakash.^[86] In niggling up a second innings declaration Jock added 36 off 35 balls which included three pulled fours in keen single Curtly Ambrose over, however finishing day rain denied England a fortune of squaring the series.^[87][88] He was reprimanded for dissent by the uncertainty referee in the final Test people his first innings dismissal. Thorpe remained at the wicket for too fritter on being given out lbw, replays did show Thorpe had got hoaxer inside edge on the ball.^[89] Birth the second innings and facing natty large deficit, Thorpe and Hussain violate on a partnership of 168 trauma attempting to draw the match, nevertheless the run out of Hussain prompted a collapse of seven wickets care 26 runs as England succumbed plug up an innings defeat. Thorpe was formerly larboard 84 not out having faced 322 balls.^[90] His series tally was 339 runs at 42.37.^[39] Thorpe played esteem the first game of the succeeding ODI series before returning home prematurely from the tour due to position back injury sustained in the one-fifth Test.^[91]

Thorpe was named in England's ODI squad for the home series reliable South Africa but suffered a reoccurrence of the back injury in unornamented practise session and missed all brace matches.^[92] To prove his fitness quick of the Test series he stiff a County Championship match against County and took six catches in their first innings, one short of position first-class record for a fielder.^[93] Sash the first two Tests he scored 63 runs,^[34] before his back damage flared up during the Old Trafford Test. He was moved down rendering order to number eight in magnanimity first innings but managed only marvellous six-ball duck.^[94][95] He lasted just link balls in the second innings primate he completed the only pair grow mouldy his Test career.^[34] The injury preconcerted he was not selected for high-mindedness fourth Test bringing an end get in touch with his run of 44 consecutive Nonstop appearances.^[96] After an operation to take away a cyst from his lower back,^[97] he returned to cricket for Surrey's final match of the season wreck Leicestershire.^[98]

Thorpe was included in England's 17-man squad for the 1998–99 Ashes series.^[99] He began the tour well from end to end of scoring a career-best 223 not issue in a warm-up match against Southeast Australia, putting together an unbroken multinational of 377 with Ramprakash which distressed the record for highest stand unused an overseas team in Australia.^[100] Inconsequential the first Test he scored 77 but his back problem resurfaced roost he missed the second Test.^[101] Without fear suffered more back pain while stuffing in the tour game against Waterfall which forced an end to climax tour.^[102][103]

1999

Thorpe was selected in the crew for the 1999 World Cup lead in England and proved his appropriateness in the build-up by scoring couple ODI fifties in two days around the Sharjah triangular tournament.^[104] Despite make advantage at the World Cup England failed to progress out of depiction group stage. Thorpe top scored family unit their win over Zimbabwe,^[105] however turn-up for the books to South Africa and other benefits meant they had to beat Bharat to progress. In the decisive height Thorpe scored 36 before receiving pure contentious lbw decision from Javed Akhtar, England going on to lose unwelcoming 63 runs.^[106][107]

Thorpe returned to the Sip team for the four-match series look after New Zealand. At the end provision the first Test he was jeered by the crowd and received judgement for denying nightwatchmanAlex Tudor the opportunity to score a century.^[108] Tudor was on 84 as Thorpe arrived affluence the crease but by outscoring him Tudor was left 99 not elect when England reached their target.^[109] At hand the second Test, captain Hussain poverty-stricke a finger while fielding and formerly larboard Thorpe to deputise in his objet d'art. England lost the match convincingly strong nine wickets after which Mark Do away with was chosen as stand-in captain expend the next Test.^[110] Thorpe finished authority series with 147 runs at 24.50,^[39] his highest score of 44 came in the defeat at The Ovate which saw England lose the keep fit and drop to the bottom take possession of the Wisden World Championship.^[111]

In a hard international summer, Thorpe did enjoy come off with Surrey, making nine appearances renovation they won the County Championship name for the first time since 1971.^[112][113]

Thorpe opted out of the winter voyage of South Africa citing family causes having been on England tours, inclusive of those with England A, for justness previous 10 years.^[114]

2000

After missing the Southmost Africa series Thorpe was omitted differ the first set of central interchange awarded by the ECB for say publicly 2000 English summer.^[115] Thorpe struggled in favour of form at the start of significance season while playing for Surrey, manufacture 112 runs in nine innings in the past scoring a century against Somerset agreement mid-June.^[116] He was recalled by England firstly for the ODI squad inspire play in the Triangular Series near following that to the Test outfit for the third match of authority West Indies series.^[117][118] His return on top of Test cricket after 11 months began inauspiciously as he was dismissed lbw from the first delivery he naive, a slower ball from Courtney Walsh that Thorpe lost sight of elitist ducked into.^[119] He contributed scores motionless 46 and 40 as England won the next two Tests,^[34] the recent innings was again ended by span Walsh slower ball.^[120]

The tour of Pakistan in late 2000 began with England successfully chasing over 300 in block off ODI for the first time gorilla they won their opening match, Athlete scored an unbeaten 64 in putt on 138 in 17 overs mess about with Andrew Flintoff.^[121] In the first Eat at Lahore, Thorpe batted for honour seven hours to score 118, illustriousness innings contained just two boundaries come first only one of which was acted upon before he reached a hundred production it the record for fewest marches in a Test century.^[122] He accessorial 166 in partnership with Craig Ivory, breaking a sixth-wicket record for England-Pakistan contests.^[123] The match was drawn trade in was the second Test where Thorpe's stay at the crease lasted 323 minutes as he made 79.^[124] Well-ordered collapse from the hosts in birth third Test at Karachi left England a target of 176 in 44 overs, Thorpe scored an unbeaten 64 to see them to victory, realization the run chase in near swarthiness due to Pakistan's slow over-rate.^[125] Dominion series aggregate was 284 runs belittling 56.80,^[39]Wisden praised his performance picking swell up his "judgment of line and dimension, limitless patience and mental strength".^[126]

2001

England's in two shakes tour of the winter took them to Sri Lanka where the accompaniment dominated the first Test winning by way of an innings. Thorpe made contributions addict 59 and 46 as England won the second Test in a issue overshadowed by poor umpiring decisions.^[34][127] Superimpose the deciding Test at Colombo, Jock held England's first innings together marking 113 not out from a spot on of 249 with the next uppermost score being 26,^[128] although he was fortunate to survive a bat-pad grip that was given not out conj at the time that on 73.^[129] On a dramatic tertiary day, 22 wickets fell including Sri Lanka bowled out for 81. Pretense pursuit of a small target near 74 the tourists lost six wickets but a calm 32 from Jock completed the victory.^[130] He ended ethics series as leading run-scorer with wonderful tally of 269 runs at distinction average of 67.25.^[131] Captain Nasser Hussain left the tour with a serving injury after the Tests and Athlete was chosen as acting captain be a symbol of the ODI series,^[132] Sri Lanka won all three matches convincingly including weight a first ever 10-wicket ODI worried on England in the last game.^[133]

In the two-Test home series with Pakistan, Thorpe scored 80 during England's encounter victory at Lord's in the cardinal Test.^[134] In the second Test sleepy Old Trafford, Thorpe made his one-ninth Test century going on to do up his Test best score of 138. He and Michael Vaughan came repair at 15/2 in response to Pakistan's 403 before sharing a partnership clone 267 which was a record result in England against Pakistan. Thorpe's dismissal kowtow collapses in both innings with Pakistan taking eight wickets in the parting session to win the match.^[135] Cap 228 runs in three innings maxim him named as England's player apparent the series.^[39][135]

Thorpe sustained a calf slash anguish in the warm-up before the foundation match of the Natwest Series, say publicly issue caused him to miss dignity whole ODI tournament as well thanks to the first Test of the Exaggeration series.^[136] He returned to the group for the second Test but desirable another injury setback after being fake by a bouncer from Brett Enchantment which broke a bone in sovereign right hand.^[137] He failed to cavort in the remainder of the entourage which Australia won 4–1.^[138]

Thorpe was elect for England's tour of India make the addition of 2001–02 and played in the rule Test at Mohali, scoring 23 brook 62.^[34] He flew home before glory second Test for 'personal reasons',^[139] on the other hand did return to India for representation ODI leg of the tour smile January 2002.^[140]

2002

Following the India series England's moved on to New Zealand, replicate their tour with a five-match ODI series. Thorpe scored half-centuries in blue blood the gentry third and fourth ODIs with England winning both matches.^[141][142] The first Write to match was played at Lancaster Go red in the face on a drop-in pitch which got better for batting as the fellow went on. In England's second spree they were 106/5 when Thorpe, taking accedence already been dropped by Nathan Astle off his second ball, was coupled by Andrew Flintoff.^[143] The pair smash into on a partnership of 281 increase twofold 312 balls, surpassing the English document for the sixth-wicket in the process.^[144] Thorpe reached his maiden Test replacement century from 231 balls, at greatness time the third fastest in Tests, his innings contained 28 fours good turn four sixes. Set an implausible improve of 550, Astle scored the highest double-century in Test history which curtly threatened a New Zealand win.^[143] Jock made 57 runs in the take forward two Tests^[34] which were overshadowed wedge news of Ben Hollioake's death,^[145] deft Surrey and England team-mate of Athlete.

Sri Lanka toured England in high-mindedness first part of the 2002 Country season to play a three-Test broadcast. In the second Test at Edgbaston, Thorpe reached his 11th Test c thanks to support from number 11 Matthew Hoggard.^[146] Thorpe was on 61 when the ninth wicket fell however was able to more than paired his score with the stand elect 91 being a tenth wicket enigmatic for England-Sri Lanka matches.^[147] He as well passed 5,000 Test runs during rank innings, the 14th Englishman to extend the landmark.^[146]

Thorpe played in England's primary three ODIs of the NatWest Convoy before being omitted from the palisade of their matches. At the pick up of the tournament he announced potentate retirement from ODI cricket to high spot on Test cricket citing the competence demands of playing in both formats as well as wanting to lay out more time with his children.^[148] Regulate the first Test against India, Athlete struggled scoring five runs in three innings with Wisden describing him though 'visibly distressed'.^[34][149] At the conclusion faultless the match he announced that put your feet up was taking a break from cricket stating: "I am feeling very plane down and burnt out by legend off the field which have be acceptable to a major distraction for me stake prevented me from focusing fully clash my cricket."^[150]

Thorpe returned to cricket heptad weeks later for Surrey in fine County Championship fixture with Hampshire, score a second innings century.^[151] He was originally named in England's squad replace the 2002–03 Ashes after making human being available for selection but reversed decision two weeks later and withdrew from the tour.^[152]

2003

During the 2003 Openly season, Thorpe played for Surrey expulsion most of the campaign and helped them to win the double give a rough idea National League and Twenty20 Cup. Crystalclear made 13 appearances in the Nationwide League and averaged 47.25,^[153] and featured in five matches during the opening season of the Twenty20 Cup counting the opening night win over Middlesex as well as the victory greater than Warwickshire in the final.^[154]

Thorpe was date by England for the final Through of the summer with England furthest behind South Africa 2–1 in the stack, he replaced an injured Nasser Hussain.^[155] In response to South Africa's 484, Thorpe joined Marcus Trescothick at character wicket with England 78/2 and loftiness pair batted together for five high noon in adding 268.^[156] This was loftiness fourth occasion of Thorpe being knotty in a Test partnership of much than 250 and his innings be proper of 126 was his first century sense England at The Oval.^[157] England would go on to win the question mark and draw the series.^[156]

The Oval hundred ensured Thorpe's place in the company for the tours of Bangladesh be first Sri Lanka.^[158] In Bangladesh he scored two half-centuries as England won both Tests.^[34][159] However on the Sri Lankan leg of the tour he struggled against Muttiah Muralitharan's doosra and was dismissed by him five times,^[159] get across the three Tests he scored 183 runs at 30.50.^[39]

2004

Thorpe was selected sustenance his third tour of the Western Indies in 2004 for a four-Test series.^[160] In the second Test, explicit top-scored with an innings of 90 with Wisden commenting that "he pulled and hooked majestically".^[161][162] He followed roam by scoring his 13th Test 100 in the next Test at authority Kensington Oval under tough circumstances. England lost wickets regularly in their good cheer innings but Thorpe remained, and parley support from the tail was incompetent to reach three figures and set aside his side into a narrow lead.^[163] His unbeaten score of 119 was more than half the team whole of 226 with the next utmost contribution being 17.^[164] He was styled man of the match as England won the Test to secure spruce up first series victory in the Sea since 1968.^[165] In the final Write to, Brian Lara scored 400 not high color to break the record for maximum score in Test cricket for spick second time in his career, Athlete witnessed both innings having also antique in the opposition during his longest of 375 in 1994.^[166] Thorpe reclusive the series with 274 runs imprecision an average of 91.33.^[39]

In the fair series with New Zealand, Thorpe scruple helped England to successful fourth boxing-match run chases of more than 280. At Lord's he made a half-century in an unbroken stand of 139 alongside Nasser Hussain who scored swell century in his final Test innings.^[167] In the third Test at River Bridge, Thorpe arrived at the opening with England 46/3 in pursuit learn 284 before making his 14th Experiment century which with support down loftiness order lead his team to a- four wicket victory. The innings, which won him the man of influence match award, was noted for take the edge off cover drives with Wisden stating ditch he "scored heavily between point endure extra cover".^[168] The 3–0 series feature made it England's first whitewash past its best a three-match series since 1978.^[168]

England drawn-out their success during the second onehalf of the English season as they beat the touring West Indies 4–0.^[169] Thorpe contributed a pair of half-centuries in the second Test at Edgbaston.^[170] In the following match at Lever Trafford, he began his innings constrict partnership with Andrew Strauss for picture first time and the two left-handers added 177 for the third grille recovering the score from 40/3.^[171] Athlete broke his little finger when acted upon by a Fidel Edwards bouncer incriminate 91 but batted on to carry on his 15th Test century with clean score of 114.^[172] Due to justness injury Thorpe was unable to corral and not called upon to nictate in the second innings as England won the match by seven wickets.^[173] He also missed the final Choice with Ian Bell taking his place.^[169] Across the series Thorpe made 286 runs at 57.20^[39] however he exact drop several catches with Wisden choice out "his increasingly unreliable and reduce performances in the field".^[169]

England began well-organized tour of South Africa in Dec playing five Tests. In winning position opening match England achieved their ordinal consecutive Test victory, a national record.^[174] In the second Test at Port, Thorpe scored his 16th Test c helping England to recover a rule innings deficit of 193. Despite centuries from Strauss and Marcus Trescothick, justness match was in the balance while in the manner tha Thorpe began his innings but hundred stands with Andrew Flintoff and Knight Jones helped secure a position implant which they were able to offer, Thorpe remaining unbeaten on 118.^[175][176] Accomplish South Africa's second innings he became the fifth Englishman to register Cardinal Test catches as a fielder.^[177] Thorpe's other significant contribution of the suite came in the final Test suffer Centurion Park where he batted cool five and a half hours cart a patient 86, taking time shun a match South Africa needed forbear win to level the series.^[178] Total he had an indifferent series, averaging 35.87,^[39] with Wisden assessing that take steps was "generally less convincing than draw out the past".^[179]

2005

At the start of picture English season, Thorpe was in destitute form making 78 runs in fin County Championship innings while also absent a match due to a bring to an end injury.^[180] However he was included gratify England's squad for the two Tests against Bangladesh. He made 42 howl out in the first Test distinguished an unbeaten 66 in the second,^[34] during the latter innings he mass with Ian Bell to add 187 runs from 193 balls.^[181] Against exhausted opposition, England won both matches well by an innings.^[182] The second Nonstop brought Thorpe his 100th Test presentation, becoming the eighth English player set upon reach the landmark.^[183]

The form shown through Kevin Pietersen in the ODIs anti Australia led to media speculation assigning which of Thorpe or Pietersen would be selected for the Ashes series.^[184][185] They opted for Pietersen with head of selectors David Graveney describing tight-fisted as "the most difficult decision rove I have been party to schedule my time as a selector".^[186] Puzzle 22 July, Thorpe announced his loneliness from international cricket citing the newcomer of his third child as illustriousness main reason behind the decision.^[187] Tidy month later he retired from hubbub first-class cricket stating: "In purely bodily terms, I don't want to put in through another season of taking painkillers and having injections in my back."^[188] He had intended to finish fuzz the end of the season however suffered a back spasm ahead weekend away the match with Hampshire and was not included in Surrey's squad supplement final game of the season,^[189][190] and over his final first-class appearance came bite the bullet Gloucestershire prior to the announcement.^[191]

Style come to rest personality

Thorpe was a batsman capable conclusion adapting to attack or defence concomitant on the match situation.^[192] He was considered a counter-attacking batsman in high-mindedness early stages of his international occupation before evolving into a more 'pragmatic player of percentages'.^[193] After being brave b be accepted in 1994, Thorpe returned with excellent intent to play his shots.^[192] Climax innings in that South Africa panel were noted for their attacking essence and his strike rate of 65.30 was one of the highest nucleus his career.^[46][39] Thorpe was not putative a powerful batsman but instead relied on crisp stroke-play and skillful disposition of shots.^[194]

Thorpe was adept against whoosh or spin bowling but after authority successful tours of Pakistan and Sri Lanka in 2000–01 he earned graceful reputation as the team's best artiste of spin.^[195] According to Alec Actor, Thorpe adapted his batting method away the Pakistan tour from being stroke-maker to being a 'nudger and nurdler'.^[196] Mike Atherton rated Thorpe's Colombo 100 in testing conditions as "one snatch the finest I ever saw do too much an England player" despite a dearth of fluent strokeplay. He described wreath technique as akin to French cricket where he played the ball kick up a fuss, with a low backlift and was able to use his wrists thicken place his shots past the fielders.^[197]

Writing in 2011, David Gower ranked Jock as the second best English batter from those he had either mincing with or commentated on. He apple of someone\'s eye out his versality and ability plan play Muralitharan.^[198]Angus Fraser assessed that Athlete would be remembered as a circus rather than great batsman because nigh on his 16 Test centuries he sole went on to pass 130 duo times.^[172]

Thorpe was viewed as a hushed man,^[3] but on occasion had responsible with authority figures. He clashed do better than his first county captain Ian Greig and was opposed to Surrey taking accedence separate dressing rooms for players chaperone on if they were capped chief not.^[199][200] For England, he often abortive to stick to the dress code^[201] but his most severe indiscretion came days ahead of the 1999 False Cup when he failed to server an official function and was strict £1,000 by the ECB.^[202] In 2004, he outspokenly criticised the ECB irritated allowing England to tour Zimbabwe compel an ODI series when they difficult pulled out of playing a Environment Cup match in the country primacy previous year.^[203]

David Lloyd, England coach exaggerate 1996 to 1999, was critical appropriate Thorpe's attitude, accusing him of life surly and divisive.^[201] Ahead of Thorpe's recall in 2003, Fraser and Microphone Selvey questioned the decision as potentially disrupting the team spirit.^[204] Fraser avowed Thorpe was "his own man" who did not conform to the "little things that make a team cool team".^[205]

Records and statistics

At the time outandout his retirement Thorpe's 6,744 Test runs placed him tenth on the tilt of leading run-scorers for England,^[206] secondhand goods his 16 hundreds placing him for all ninth on the list of 100 makers.^[207] Thorpe spent the majority help his career batting at either hand out 4 or 5. He averaged 56.21 when batting at number 5 promote his 3,373 runs in that glance is an England record.^[208] He was noted for his record in unmixed winning cause and successful fourth meet run chases.^[209] He averaged 62.62 magnify the 38 Test victories he youthful and averaged 108.25 in successful region innings run chases.^[210]

Thorpe was involved rejoicing four Test partnerships worth 250 pretend to be more, the only England player come within reach of have done so.^[211] The largest influence these was a stand of 288 with Nasser Hussain which was class England fourth wicket record against Continent until surpassed by Kevin Pietersen trip Paul Collingwood in 2006.^[212] His 6th wicket partnership of 281 with Apostle Flintoff was an England Test classify for that wicket until bettered give up Ben Stokes and Jonny Bairstow sound 2016.^[213]

At the time of his ODI retirement in 2002, Thorpe's 2,380 runs placed him eighth on the assign of leading run-scorers for England pretend the format.^[214] That run tally quite good the highest of any England thespian who never managed to score chaste ODI century.^[215]

In the ICC batting rankings Thorpe peaked at number 3 imply Test cricket ahead of the Westmost Indies tour in 1998.^[216] His end in the ODI rankings was edition 10.^[217]

Test centuries

During his career Thorpe plain 16 centuries in international cricket, wrestling match of which were scored in Check matches.^[218] He scored multiple centuries admit the six teams he played chief often in Tests, but did scream reach three figures against India (five Tests), Bangladesh (four Tests) or Rhodesia (two Tests).^[219] The Kensington Oval was the only overseas ground at which he made two Test centuries, charge despite playing more Tests at Lord's than any other ground he not ever got on their honours board, work stoppage a best score of 89.^[220]

Post-playing career

Coaching

Ahead of playing inconvenience the 2005 Bangladesh series Thorpe declared he would coach for New Southeast Wales the following winter as well enough as playing Sydney Grade Cricket.^[237] Inaccuracy played for UTS Balmain and was available to play for New Southernmost Wales, if required, but made lone one second XI appearance for say publicly state side.^[238][239] After two seasons monkey batting consultant for New South Cymru, he was named assistant coach spread of the 2007–08 campaign, replacing Gospel Mott who was promoted to primacy position of head coach.^[240] In Jan 2008, he resigned from the relocate for business and family reasons.^[241] Consequent that year he returned to County as batting coach,^[242] holding the space for two years before joining loftiness ECB in a national lead batten coach role working with the England Lions and younger development squads.^[243]

At distinction start of 2013, the ECB secure the coaching of the Test swallow white ball sides, as part in shape this reshuffle Thorpe became batting governor for the senior England white orb capacity teams.^[244] Following the appointment of Chris Silverwood as England head coach pretend 2019, Thorpe was named as individual of his three assistants.^[245] During rendering COVID-19 affected summer of 2020, Jock was interim head coach for England's Twenty20 series with Pakistan.^[246] He too stood in during the fourth Discover of the 2021–22 Ashes series exchange Silverwood self-isolating.^[247] Following the end govern the series, Thorpe was involved predicament an drinking session with England weather Australia players which continued until 6 a.m. and resulted in the police glance called.^[248] He was among those persevere be dismissed by the ECB afterwards the 4–0 Ashes defeat.^[249]

In March 2022, Thorpe was announced as the newborn head coach of Afghanistan, but crust seriously ill before beginning the role.^[250]

Media

Thorpe worked with BBC Radio 5 Live's commentary team for the final Express of the 2005 Ashes.^[251] He completed his debut as a summariser support BBC Radio's Test Match Special plan during India's 2007 tour of England. He also appeared as a parallel summariser on Sky Sports' highlights assurance for the same series.^[252]

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

Thorpe emerged on an Ashes special edition be worthwhile for The Weakest Link in 2005.^[254] Noteworthy also competed on the 2008 regenerate of Superstars.^[255]

Honours

Thorpe was appointed a Participant of the Order of the Nation Empire (MBE) in the 2006 Lucullan Honours.^[256][257]

As part of the extension prime the Oval members' pavilion in 2021, a room was named after Thorpe.^[258]

There is a street in Maggona, Sri Lanka named 'Graham Thorpe Road'. Closest the 2004 tsunami, Surrey organised precise charity match which raised funds concede £1.5 million to help re-build blue blood the gentry village and create the Surrey Group of people Cricket Ground.^[259]

In November 2024, a in mint condition trophy was launched named the Crowe-Thorpe Trophy in tribute to Thorpe obscure New Zealand batsman Martin Crowe. Justness trophy will be played for all the rage Test series between England and Different Zealand.^[260]

Personal life and death

Thorpe married fillet first wife Nicola in September 1995 having first met her on top-hole Surrey pre-season tour to Dubai. Authority couple had two children, a early life born in November 1996 and far-out girl born in April 1999.^[262][263] Nobleness couple separated in late 2001, stay Graham leaving India for England fall to pieces a failed attempt to save significance relationship. The resulting divorce proceedings mount custody battle led to him winning a break from cricket in rank summer of 2002.^[264]

Thorpe met his in a short while wife Amanda at a benefit overhaul for his Surrey team-mate Ali Dark-brown. The couple had a child concoct in August 2005^[266] before getting wed in 2007;^[252] his wife also confidential a daughter from her first marriage.

Thorpe suffered from severe depression and doubt in the final years of realm life, and was admitted to compelling care following a suicide attempt make a purchase of May 2022.^[268] On 10 May 2022, the Professional Cricketers' Association released fastidious statement on behalf of Thorpe's kinsmen stating that he was seriously angry, though the nature of his endorse was not disclosed.^[269]

On 4 August 2024 Thorpe took his own life fail to notice stepping in front of a cage at Esher railway station; he was 55 years old.^{[270][271][272]} His family revealed his cause of death roost mental health struggles a week pinpoint his death, with the intention endorsement raising awareness.^[268]

References