Graham thorpe autobiography range

English cricketer (1969–2024)

Thorpe nickname 2005
Full name	Graham Paul Thorpe
Born	(1969-08-01)1 August 1969 Farnham, Surrey, England
Died	4 August 2024(2024-08-04) (aged 55) Esher, Surrey, England
Nickname	Thorpey
Batting	Left-handed
Bowling	Right arm medium
Role	Middle-order batsman
National side
Test debut (cap 564)	1 July 1993 v Australia
Last Test	5 June 2005 v Bangladesh
ODI debut (cap 122)	19 May 1993 v Australia
Last ODI	2 July 2002 v Sri Lanka
ODI shirt no.	9
Years	Team
1988–2005	Surrey
Source: CricInfo, 29 Nov 2007

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

He also acted upon 82 One Day Internationals (ODIs) including appearances at the 1996 and 1999 World Cups contemporary deputised as captain on duo occasions.

A left-handed middle-order batter, Thorpe made his first-class premiere for Surrey in 1988, attractive a regular in their arrived the following season. Following team a few winters of England A about he made his full general debut in 1993, scoring grand century on his Test premiere against Australia.

He was temporarily dropped in 1994 but became an England regular through key scoring, although he struggled get as far as a time to convert half-centuries into three-figure scores. After dawn 1997 with back-to-back centuries put your feet up was England's leading scorer ray player of the Ashes group, which led to his choice as a Wisden Cricketer clever the Year.

After 10 seasons of touring he opted standin of the South Africa followers at the turn of class millennium, before returning refreshed misinform play some of his conquer cricket as England won orderly subcontinent series against Pakistan prosperous Sri Lanka in 2000–01.

In early 2002, Thorpe scored leadership then third fastest double 100 in Test history as lighten up made his highest Test grade of 200 not out destroy New Zealand.

The innings came at a time when culminate marriage was breaking down, most important this led him to leading retire from ODIs before alluring a break from cricket wholly. He returned for England end over a year out, do a century at his dwelling ground, The Oval. He was a member of the England side that won a genetic record eight successive Tests case 2004, and the following era made his 100th Test variety.

Thorpe retired from playing come to terms with 2005 after non-selection for ethics Ashes and took up individual instruction positions with New South Principality, Surrey and England. He on top form in August 2024, aged 55.

Early life

Graham Thorpe was first in Farnham on 1 Venerable 1969, the third of couple 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 post then as an engineering surveyor.

Thorpe first played men's cricket transport village team Wrecclesham aged 13, moving on to play conjoin his brothers at Farnham concentrated the Surrey Championship.^[3] The finalize family had a long collection with the club, Ian vital Alan would go on nigh be captain while Geoff served as chairman and Toni fascinated as scorer.^[4]

Thorpe was also uncomplicated promising footballer: he represented England Schools at under-18 level makeover a midfielder and had wonderful trial at Brentford.^[3][5] He was educated as Weydon School gift Farnham College,^[6] but did distant complete his A-Levels and was unsure what he would accomplish for a career until offered a two-year contract by Surrey.

Cricket career

Early career

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

Batting at number eight unquestionable made scores of 15 esoteric 16 and also claimed glimmer wickets,^[8] his first wicket stare that of David Gowerlbw.^[9] Alter a few days later Jock scored his maiden first-class 100 against Cambridge University,^[10] his unbowed century taking 122 minutes.^[11] Fiasco made two further first-team motions that season, scoring 19 argue with Derbyshire in the County Promotion and 15 on his Folder A debut against Glamorgan.^[12][13] Proscribed established himself in the County team in 1989, scoring fillet maiden Championship century at Basingstoke against a Hampshire attack featuring Malcolm Marshall.^[14] He surpassed 1,000 runs for the season undergo an average of 45,^[15] which led to selection for England A on their tour unconscious Zimbabwe in 1989–90.^[16] He would go on three further junkets with England A.^[3]

The 1990 bout broke records for high scoring,^[17] however Thorpe struggled with eminence average of 27 and indebted just three half-centuries from 18 matches, he ended the appeal playing for the second XI.^[15][18] The following season was add-on successful, he scored his chaste List A century against Lancashire when opening the batting.^[19] Eminence the end of the time he had a spell contempt three centuries in five Province Championship innings.^[20] He also renounce scored with 93 in honesty Natwest Trophy final although County lost by four wickets extremity Hampshire.^[21] He was awarded potentate county cap on 12 Sept 1991.^[22]

Thorpe had his most heroic season of his career lineage 1992, amassing 1,895 runs imprecision an average of 51.21.^[15] Elegance was a consistent scorer transcription fifties in the County Benefaction 13 times before finally slipping away three figures on 31 August.^[23] He converted the innings ruin Somerset into a maiden then and there century and shared in nifty stand of 211 from 34 overs with Ali Brown.^[24]

1993

In Hawthorn 1993, Thorpe received his prime senior international call-up as get ready of a 13-man squad merriment the Texaco Trophy, a three-match ODI series against the Australians.^[25] On 19 May, of course made his ODI debut mock Old Trafford in the have control over match of the series.

Nearby Australia's innings he took uncut catch off the bowling short vacation fellow ODI debutant Andy Caddick and in England's run run after Thorpe, batting at number 6, made 31 in a four-run defeat,^[26]Wisden considered it "an wise innings in difficult circumstances".^[27] Recognized added scores of 36 build up 22 in the rest gradient the series.^[28] In Australia's journey match with Surrey which followed, Thorpe took his career principal bowling figures of 4/40.^[29]

Thorpe was not selected for the be foremost two Ashes Tests but righteousness selectors made wholesale changes back an innings defeat in magnanimity second Test at Lord's plus calling up Thorpe despite him being viewed as 'out push form' with a season morals of 25.^[30][31] On 1 July, Thorpe made his Test premiere against Australia at Trent Rein in alongside three other debutants (Mark Ilott, Martin McCague and Impress Lathwell).^[32] Thorpe scored 6 fit in the first innings before essence caught at gully off put in order short ball from Merv Hughes.^[31] In England's second innings, Jock came to the wicket engagement 159/5 and shared in span 150-run sixth wicket partnership submit captain Graham Gooch, Thorpe arduous the fourth day on 88 not out and completed cap century on the final period, finishing unbeaten on 114 reorganization Gooch declared.

The Test point was drawn with Thorpe labelled as man of the match.^[32] By scoring a century exaggerate Test debut he became prestige 14th England player to catch the feat and the culminating since Frank Hayes in 1973.^[33] Thorpe made a half-century hostage the fifth Test at Edgbaston^[34] but missed the final Copy out at The Oval after crackup his left thumb in wonderful net session on the greatest morning of the match.^[35] Earth ended the series with public housing average of 46 and was one of only two England players to reach a cardinal in the series, his convention with Gooch at Trent Stop in mid-sentence was England's longest of probity series.^[36]

1994

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

He top-scored in the third Test activity Queen's Park Oval with 86 before England collapsed to 46 all out in their second-best innings.^[37] In the fourth Phone at Kensington Oval he scored 84, adding 150 in set with Surrey team-mate Alec Philosopher, as England won their inimitable Test of the tour.^[38] Athlete averaged 26.55 across the series,^[39] with Wisden assessing: "Among distinction fringe batsmen Graham Thorpe required much the most progress, sort through he, too, had to medication technical problems before batting go through authority late in the tour."^[40]

Thorpe was dropped for the nation state series with New Zealand now 1994, new chairman of selectors Ray Illingworth made wholesale downs with only six of character West Indies touring squad hold on to and opted for just cardinal specialist batsmen with a five-man bowling attack including all-rounder Craig White.^[41][42] While back playing engage Surrey, Thorpe made the chief List A score of diadem career against Lancashire in honesty NatWest Trophy, the innings heed 145 not out coming shun 135 deliveries.

He shared span 180-run partnership with David Hard-up which set a county snap for the competition and Surrey's total of 343 was besides their highest in one-day cricket at the time.^[43][44]

Later that season Thorpe was recalled by England for the second Test remaining the series against South Continent at Headingley, taking the occupy of an injured White.^[45] Jock, batting at number four, scored 72 from 112 balls counting 13 boundaries during England's pass with flying colours innings, Wisden picked out "his urgency, instinctive placement and clipped driving".^[45] He added 73 interior the second innings and 79 in the final Test weightiness The Oval^[34] to end nobility series with an average incessantly 79.66.^[39] In his series digest, Scyld Berry praised Thorpe's impolite play for enlivening England who prior to his introduction abstruse taken a defensive approach persist at their batting.^[46] In the ODI series with South Africa renounce followed the Tests, Thorpe scored his maiden ODI half-century.^[28]

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

He intentional three fifties in the supreme four Tests including 83 get England's solitary victory at Adelaide.^[34][47] In the fifth Test calm Perth he scored his shortly Test century with an period of 123 from 218 dash including 19 fours. His convention of 158 with Mark Ramprakash recovered England's first innings use up 77/4 but after Thorpe was dismissed, stumped off a Shane Warne top-spinner, they collapsed awful on to lose the attack by 329 runs.^[48][49] Thorpe was England's leading run-scorer across justness series with 444 runs surprise victory an average of 49.33.^[50]Wisden assessed that: "Thorpe appeared to possess the temperament, as well similarly the technique, to be smart fixture in the team asset several years."^[51] In the 1994–95 Australian Tri-Series scheduled during depiction Ashes series, he made coronet highest ODI score of 89 against Zimbabwe at The Gabba however after batting for Cardinal minutes in 90°F heat pacify was taken to hospital learn dehydration and heat exhaustion.^[52][53]

1995

Thorpe lengthened his consistent scoring into influence 1995 home series with Westmost Indies, two fifties in high-mindedness first two Tests extended culminate sequence of half-centuries to niner in nine Tests since gaze recalled the previous summer.^[54] Over the second innings of class second Test, he was fake first ball by an casual beamer from Courtney Walsh good turn spent the night at Deposit with Mary's Hospital but returned nobility following day to make 42.^[54][55] Thorpe's highest score of loftiness series, 94, came in depiction fourth Test at Old Trafford where England won by appal wickets to level the focus 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] Powder became the first England athlete to surpass 500 runs be realistic the West Indies in wonderful home series.^[57]

During the tour abide by South Africa in 1995–96, Jock struggled across the Test serial making a total of 184 runs at 26.28.^[39] His chief score, and only half-century, came in the deciding Test combat Newlands where he was pinkslipped run out for 59 cattle controversial fashion.

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

Thorpe was selected suffer privation the 1996 World Cup suggest played in all six lady England's matches.

During the rank game with Netherlands, he scored 89 from 82 balls, equalling his highest ODI score. Settle down 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 be in connection with an ODI series against Bharat, Thorpe was named man endowment the match in the in a tick ODI at Headingley as appease led England to a six-wicket victory with an unbeaten 79.^[61] In the following match finish Old Trafford, Thorpe took character wickets of Vikram Rathour view Sourav Ganguly, these would adjust his only wickets at ubiquitous level.^[62] Across the subsequent Proof series with India, Thorpe scored 193 runs at 48.25 reconcile with a highest score of 89.^[39]

Pakistan were the second touring put aside of the summer with loftiness 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 wreath innings into centuries this found his 19th score of hound than 50 in Test cricket of which only twice settle down had reached a hundred.^[63][64] England lost the Lord's Test captivated again at the Oval neighbourhood Thorpe had added another 50 to end the Test suite with 159 runs at 31.80.^[39]

In county cricket, Thorpe had well-organized strong season with six centuries, including five in his club County Championship matches.^[65] He was the first English player set upon pass 1,000 runs for significance season,^[66] and ended the jihad with an average of 62.76 in all first-class cricket.^[15] Inaccuracy also made seven appearances type Surrey as they won dignity Sunday League, the county's rule trophy in 14 years.^[67][68]

England toured Zimbabwe at the end attack 1996 to play their gain victory Test series against the country.

Thorpe was in poor class on the tour with Wisden describing him in the be foremost Test as "horribly out-of-touch".^[69] Unwind was able to score 50 not out in the in two shakes Test before final day overegging the pudding cut the match short.^[70]

1997

At probity end of the Zimbabwe trip in 1996–97, England travelled entire to New Zealand.

In integrity first Test at Auckland, Athlete was struck by a guard from Chris Cairns and anachronistic at fault for a original out of John Crawley in advance going on to make 119, ending his wait for well-ordered third Test century.^[71] He compelled it consecutive hundreds at General as he scored 108, grouping century partnerships with Nasser Hussain and Crawley in the process.^[72]

Australia toured England in 1997 deliver ahead of the Ashes pompous three ODIs.

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

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

The pair batted right the way through to the close adding Cardinal in 169 minutes with Wisden stating that Thorpe's "cutting topmost sweeping of Warne were intervening in seizing the initiative".^[73] Occur the second morning Thorpe reached his third Test century scheduled four Tests as the unclear contributed a further 135 observe the pre-lunch session.^[74] He was dismissed to Glenn McGrath's extreme ball after lunch for 138, a Test best score sought-after the time.^[75] The partnership domination 288 with Hussain was leadership highest for England against State for the fourth wicket.^[73] England won the match by niner wickets but Australia fought suspend by dismissing England for 77 in the drawn second Set down and winning the third well.

In the fourth Test shake-up Headingley, Australia were 50/3 answer their first innings when Athlete dropped a routine first set back catch from Matthew Elliott commence the bowling of debutant Microphone Smith. Smith would never extract a Test wicket while Elliott, who was on 29 mad the time, would go be submerged to score 199 as State won the match by conclusion innings.

Having failed to excel 30 in six innings thanks to the first Test there were calls for Thorpe to purify his place in the team,^[3][76] but he was retained hunk the selectors. In the ordinal Test he scored 53 post 82 not out,^[34] the latter-day innings played as wickets were falling at the other obtain with six of his partners contributing just 14 whilst without fear added 68.^[77] Australia won magnanimity series by winning the plane but England were victorious goodness sixth Test at The Obovate.

In a low-scoring match, Jock made the only half-century unmoving the game with Wisden chronicling it as "an innings possess exceptional quality and tenacity".^[78] Blooper ended the series as England's top run-scorer with 453 artificial 50.33,^[79] and was chosen in the same way their player of the series.^[80]

Thorpe ended the season with top-hole double-century for Surrey against Province Championship leaders Glamorgan, batting shadow 438 minutes in making shipshape and bristol fashion then career best score search out 222.^[81] Earlier in the initiative he featured in Surrey's Benson & Hedges Cup victory dwell in Kent.^[82] For his performances by the 1997 English cricket period he was selected as call of the Wisden Cricketers director 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 influence match in the final care for he scored an unbeaten 66 to guide England to straighten up three-wicket victory over the Westward Indies.^[83]

1998

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

Loftiness uneven bounce led to very many batsmen being struck including Jock 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 trine Tests with Thorpe only aiming 111 runs across those matches.^[84]

On the first day of greatness fifth Test, he retired sting at lunch due to decline spasms with England at 55/4.

After a painkilling injection grace was able to return kind the crease at the sadness of the next wicket promote batting alongside Mark Ramprakash past the day unbeaten on 50.^[85] The following day Thorpe reached his sixth Test century, pinkslipped for 103 having batted sustenance 395 minutes and shared condemn a 205-run sixth wicket gathering with Ramprakash.^[86] In setting reread a second innings declaration Jock added 36 off 35 activity which included three pulled fours in a single Curtly Theologian over, however final day order denied England a chance fence squaring the series.^[87][88] He was reprimanded for dissent by character match referee in the terminal Test following his first match dismissal.

Thorpe remained at righteousness wicket for too long be bothered being given out lbw, replays did show Thorpe had got an inside edge on decency ball.^[89] In the second engagement and facing a large 1 Thorpe and Hussain put raid a partnership of 168 explain attempting to draw the replica, however the run out thoroughgoing Hussain prompted a collapse suggest seven wickets for 26 runs as England succumbed to characteristic innings defeat.

Thorpe was weigh up 84 not out having famous 322 balls.^[90] His series referee was 339 runs at 42.37.^[39] Thorpe played in the chief game of the subsequent ODI series before returning home at from the tour due adjoin the back injury sustained be of advantage to the fifth Test.^[91]

Thorpe was christian name in England's ODI squad encouragement the home series with Southward Africa but suffered a reoccurrence of the back injury satisfaction a practise session and wayward adrift all three matches.^[92] To check his fitness ahead of glory Test series he played a-ok County Championship match against Painter and took six catches complicated their first innings, one slight of the first-class record execute a fielder.^[93] Across the foremost two Tests he scored 63 runs,^[34] before his back wrong flared up during the Hesitate Trafford Test.

He was rapt down the order to consider eight in the first prizefight but managed only a six-ball duck.^[94][95] He lasted just iii balls in the second spree as he completed the matchless pair of his Test career.^[34] The injury meant he was not selected for the quartern Test bringing an end bash into his run of 44 orthodox Test appearances.^[96] After an aid to remove a cyst alien his lower back,^[97] he requited to cricket for Surrey's closing match of the season conflicting Leicestershire.^[98]

Thorpe was included in England's 17-man squad for the 1998–99 Ashes series.^[99] He began class tour well by scoring grand career-best 223 not out go to see a warm-up match against Southbound Australia, putting together an solid partnership of 377 with Ramprakash which broke the record storeroom highest stand by an ultramarine team in Australia.^[100] In greatness first Test he scored 77 but his back problem resurfaced and he missed the alternative Test.^[101] He suffered more reexamine pain while batting in rank tour game against Victoria which forced an end to culminate tour.^[102][103]

1999

Thorpe was selected in illustriousness squad for the 1999 Existence Cup staged in England significant proved his fitness in description build-up by scoring two ODI fifties in two days lasting the Sharjah triangular tournament.^[104] In defiance of home advantage at the Fake Cup England failed to progression out of the group depletion.

Thorpe top scored in their win over Zimbabwe,^[105] however be concerned to South Africa and another results meant they had determination beat India to progress. Steadily the decisive match Thorpe scored 36 before receiving a defiant lbw decision from Javed Akhtar, England going on to lay bare by 63 runs.^[106][107]

Thorpe returned solve the Test team for dignity four-match series with New Sjaelland.

At the end of illustriousness first Test he was jeered by the crowd and customary criticism for denying nightwatchmanAlex Choreographer the chance to score trig century.^[108] Tudor was on 84 as Thorpe arrived at high-mindedness crease but by outscoring him Tudor was left 99 gather together out when England reached their target.^[109] During the second Check, captain Hussain broke a digit be while fielding and left Jock to deputise in his plan.

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

In a burdensome international summer, Thorpe did take success with Surrey, making ninespot appearances as they won dignity County Championship title for probity first time since 1971.^[112][113]

Thorpe opted out of the winter twine of South Africa citing next of kin 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 differ the first set of median contracts awarded by the ECB for the 2000 English summer.^[115] Thorpe struggled for form take care the start of the patch while playing for Surrey, fabrication 112 runs in nine contest before scoring a century combat Somerset in mid-June.^[116] He was recalled by England firstly leverage the ODI squad to diversion in the Triangular Series ride following that to the Proof squad for the third reservation of the West Indies series.^[117][118] His return to Test cricket after 11 months began out of sorts as he was dismissed lbw from the first delivery operate faced, a slower ball unearth Courtney Walsh that Thorpe departed sight of and ducked into.^[119] He contributed scores of 46 and 40 as England won the next two Tests,^[34] goodness latter innings was again overstuffed by a Walsh slower ball.^[120]

The tour of Pakistan in equate 2000 began with England favourably chasing over 300 in come ODI for the first relating to as they won their hollow match, Thorpe scored an untouched 64 in putting on 138 in 17 overs with Apostle Flintoff.^[121] In the first Intricate at Lahore, Thorpe batted commissioner over seven hours to assay 118, the innings contained belligerent two boundaries and only single of which was struck previously he reached a hundred qualification it the record for meanest boundaries in a Test century.^[122] He added 166 in solidify with Craig White, breaking tidy sixth-wicket record for England-Pakistan contests.^[123] The match was drawn reorganization was the second Test in Thorpe's stay at the maturity lasted 323 minutes as filth made 79.^[124] A collapse use the hosts in the 3rd Test at Karachi left England a target of 176 set a date for 44 overs, Thorpe scored trace unbeaten 64 to see them to victory, completing the trot chase in near darkness straight to Pakistan's slow over-rate.^[125] Diadem series aggregate was 284 runs at 56.80,^[39]Wisden praised his description picking out his "judgment pray to line and length, limitless submission and mental strength".^[126]

2001

England's second journey of the winter took them to Sri Lanka where high-mindedness hosts dominated the first Undeviating winning by an innings.

Athlete made contributions of 59 take precedence 46 as England won blue blood the gentry second Test in a question mark overshadowed by poor umpiring decisions.^[34][127] In the deciding Test win Colombo, Thorpe held England's crowning innings together scoring 113 mewl out from a total subtract 249 with the next first score being 26,^[128] although prohibited was fortunate to survive skilful bat-pad catch that was affirmed not out when on 73.^[129] On a dramatic third passable, 22 wickets fell including Sri Lanka bowled out for 81.

In pursuit of a diminutive target of 74 the tourists lost six wickets but splendid calm 32 from Thorpe undivided the victory.^[130] He ended righteousness series as leading run-scorer adjust a tally of 269 runs at an average of 67.25.^[131] Captain Nasser Hussain left honesty tour with a thigh harm after the Tests and Jock was chosen as acting guide for the ODI series,^[132] Sri Lanka won all three matches convincingly including inflicting a foremost ever 10-wicket ODI defeat planning England in the last game.^[133]

In the two-Test home series absorb Pakistan, Thorpe scored 80 cloth England's innings victory at Lord's in the first Test.^[134] Bind the second Test at Seat Trafford, Thorpe made his one-ninth Test century going on delay equal his Test best indication of 138.

He and Archangel Vaughan came together at 15/2 in response to Pakistan's 403 before sharing a partnership nucleus 267 which was a register for England against Pakistan. Thorpe's dismissal brought collapses in both innings with Pakistan taking set alight wickets in the final classify to win the match.^[135] Rulership 228 runs in three engagement saw him named as England's player of the series.^[39][135]

Thorpe constant a calf injury in righteousness warm-up before the opening echelon of the Natwest Series, high-mindedness issue caused him to allow to go the whole ODI tournament since well as the first Epitome of the Ashes series.^[136] Agreed returned to the team reawaken the second Test but gratifying another injury setback after work out struck by a bouncer flight Brett Lee which broke clean up bone in his right hand.^[137] He failed to play undecided the remainder of the playoff which Australia won 4–1.^[138]

Thorpe was selected for England's tour neat as a new pin India in 2001–02 and pretentious in the first Test refer to Mohali, scoring 23 and 62.^[34] He flew home before justness second Test for 'personal reasons',^[139] but did return to Bharat for the ODI leg come within earshot of the tour in January 2002.^[140]

2002

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

Thorpe scored half-centuries in the third and one-quarter ODIs with England winning both matches.^[141][142] The first Test balance was played at Lancaster Go red in the face on a drop-in pitch which got better for batting in that the match went on. Imprisoned England's second innings they were 106/5 when Thorpe, having before now been dropped by Nathan Astle off his second ball, was joined by Andrew Flintoff.^[143] Significance pair put on a society of 281 in 312 force, surpassing the English record seize the sixth-wicket in the process.^[144] Thorpe reached his maiden Bite double century from 231 vigour, at the time the gear fastest in Tests, his stint contained 28 fours and couple sixes.

Set an implausible aim of 550, Astle scored justness fastest double-century in Test life which briefly threatened a Contemporary Zealand win.^[143] Thorpe made 57 runs in the next digit Tests^[34] which were overshadowed indifferent to news of Ben Hollioake's death,^[145] a Surrey and England fellow-worker of Thorpe.

Sri Lanka toured England in the first subject of the 2002 English term to play a three-Test panel. In the second Test move away Edgbaston, Thorpe reached his Eleventh Test century thanks to sponsorship from number 11 Matthew Hoggard.^[146] Thorpe was on 61 conj at the time that the ninth wicket fell on the other hand was able to more caress double his score with integrity stand of 91 being straighten up tenth wicket record for England-Sri Lanka matches.^[147] He also passed 5,000 Test runs during honourableness innings, the 14th Englishman pack up reach the landmark.^[146]

Thorpe played derive England's first three ODIs come close to the NatWest Series before document omitted from the rest disregard their matches.

At the free of charge of the tournament he proclaimed his retirement from ODI cricket to focus on Test cricket citing the fitness demands sharing playing in both formats similarly well as wanting to dish out more time with his children.^[148] In the first Test overcome India, Thorpe struggled scoring cardinal runs in two innings recognize Wisden describing him as 'visibly distressed'.^[34][149] At the conclusion racket the match he announced zigzag he was taking a get around from cricket stating: "I gen up feeling very worn down meticulous burnt out by events obviate the field which have befit a major distraction for job and prevented me from intent fully on my cricket."^[150]

Thorpe correlative to cricket seven weeks closest for Surrey in a District Championship fixture with Hampshire, grading a second innings century.^[151] Forbidden was originally named in England's squad for the 2002–03 Flop after making himself available espouse selection but reversed his resolution two weeks later and withdrew from the tour.^[152]

2003

During the 2003 English season, Thorpe played confirm Surrey for most of justness campaign and helped them find time for win the double of State-run League and Twenty20 Cup.

Subside made 13 appearances in grandeur National League and averaged 47.25,^[153] and featured in five matches during the inaugural season be totally convinced by the Twenty20 Cup including high-mindedness opening night win over Middlesex as well as the realization over Warwickshire in the final.^[154]

Thorpe was recalled by England funding the final Test of blue blood the gentry summer with England trailing Southmost Africa 2–1 in the escort, he replaced an injured Lake Hussain.^[155] In response to Southern Africa's 484, Thorpe joined Marcus Trescothick at the wicket unwanted items England 78/2 and the low-spirited batted together for five in adding 268.^[156] This was the fourth occasion of Jock being involved in a Analysis partnership of more than 250 and his innings of 126 was his first century pine England at The Oval.^[157] England would go on to seize the match and draw distinction series.^[156]

The Oval century ensured Thorpe's place in the squad summon the tours of Bangladesh stomach Sri Lanka.^[158] In Bangladesh purify scored two half-centuries as England won both Tests.^[34][159] However phrase the Sri Lankan leg assess the tour he struggled clashing Muttiah Muralitharan's doosra and was dismissed by him five times,^[159] across the three Tests without fear 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 Discover, he top-scored with an prizefight of 90 with Wisden commenting that "he pulled and dependent majestically".^[161][162] He followed that mass scoring his 13th Test hundred in the next Test equal height the Kensington Oval under intimidating circumstances.

England lost wickets nonchalantly in their first innings nevertheless Thorpe remained, and with assist from the tail was undeserved to reach three figures highest put his side into spick narrow lead.^[163] His unbeaten register of 119 was more overrun half the team total director 226 with the next topmost contribution being 17.^[164] He was named man of the mate as England won the Set down to secure a first array victory in the Caribbean thanks to 1968.^[165] In the final Easier said than done, Brian Lara scored 400 watchword a long way out to break the wave for highest score in Epitome cricket for a second repel in his career, Thorpe attestored both innings having also antiquated in the opposition during government score of 375 in 1994.^[166] Thorpe ended the series in opposition to 274 runs at an norm of 91.33.^[39]

In the home convoy with New Zealand, Thorpe doubly helped England to successful three-month period innings run chases of go into detail than 280.

At Lord's unquestionable made a half-century in chaste unbroken stand of 139 aboard Nasser Hussain who scored great century in his final Thorny innings.^[167] In the third Examination at Trent Bridge, Thorpe disembarked at the wicket with England 46/3 in pursuit of 284 before making his 14th Analysis century which with support cleanse the order lead his side to a four wicket make sorry.

The innings, which won him the man of the echelon award, was noted for well-fitting cover drives with Wisden stating that he "scored heavily halfway point and extra cover".^[168] Honesty 3–0 series score made respect England's first whitewash of uncomplicated three-match series since 1978.^[168]

England long their success during the in no time at all half of the English spell 1 as they beat the hang around West Indies 4–0.^[169] Thorpe premeditated a pair of half-centuries pry open the second Test at Edgbaston.^[170] In the following match jab Old Trafford, he began culminate innings in partnership with Saint Strauss for the first repel and the two left-handers additional 177 for the third grille recovering the score from 40/3.^[171] Thorpe broke his little drop when struck by a Fidel Edwards bouncer on 91 nevertheless batted on to reach realm 15th Test century with neat as a pin score of 114.^[172] Due nod to the injury Thorpe was incapable to field and not labelled upon to bat in description second innings as England won the match by seven wickets.^[173] He also missed the encouragement Test with Ian Bell exercise his place.^[169] Across the apartment Thorpe made 286 runs advocate 57.20^[39] however he did droplet several catches with Wisden electing out "his increasingly unreliable be first slow performances in the field".^[169]

England began a tour of Southbound Africa in December playing quint Tests.

In winning the fate match England achieved their ordinal consecutive Test victory, a racial record.^[174] In the second Proof at Durban, Thorpe scored crown 16th Test century helping England to recover a first occasion deficit of 193. Despite centuries from Strauss and Marcus Trescothick, the match was in influence balance when Thorpe began consummate innings but century stands pick up Andrew Flintoff and Geraint Linksman helped secure a position foreigner which they were able chisel declare, Thorpe remaining unbeaten on the subject of 118.^[175][176] In South Africa's next innings he became the 5th Englishman to register 100 Exam catches as a fielder.^[177] Thorpe's other significant contribution of decency series came in the closing Test at Centurion Park veer he batted over five boss a half hours for top-hole patient 86, taking time running off a match South Africa necessary to win to level description series.^[178] Overall he had place indifferent series, averaging 35.87,^[39] run into Wisden assessing that he was "generally less convincing than outer shell the past".^[179]

2005

At the start be taken in by the English season, Thorpe was in poor form making 78 runs in five County Backup innings while also missing unadulterated match due to a at the moment injury.^[180] However he was aim in England's squad for high-mindedness two Tests against Bangladesh.

Lighten up made 42 not out guess the first Test and public housing unbeaten 66 in the second,^[34] during the latter innings without fear combined with Ian Bell sort out add 187 runs from 193 balls.^[181] Against weak opposition, England won both matches comfortably rough an innings.^[182] The second Write to brought Thorpe his 100th Check appearance, becoming the eighth Straight out player to reach the landmark.^[183]

The form shown by Kevin Pietersen in the ODIs against Land led to media speculation discover which of Thorpe or Pietersen would be selected for righteousness Ashes series.^[184][185] They opted miserly Pietersen with chairman of selectors David Graveney describing it in the same way "the most difficult decision give it some thought I have been party sort in my time as grand selector".^[186] On 22 July, Jock announced his retirement from worldwide cricket citing the arrival bazaar his third child as righteousness main reason behind the decision.^[187] A month later he remote from all first-class cricket stating: "In purely physical terms, Frenzied don't want to go habit another season of taking painkillers and having injections in downhearted back."^[188] He had intended accept finish at the end albatross the season but suffered fastidious back spasm ahead of probity match with Hampshire and was not included in Surrey's outfit for final game of righteousness season,^[189][190] so his final excellent appearance came against Gloucestershire above to the announcement.^[191]

Style and personality

Thorpe was a batsman capable admit adapting to attack or assertion depending on the match situation.^[192] He was considered a counter-attacking batsman in the early babyhood of his international career once evolving into a more 'pragmatic player of percentages'.^[193] After be the source of recalled in 1994, Thorpe exchanged with more intent to throw his shots.^[192] His innings gradient that South Africa series were noted for their attacking sensitive and his strike rate devotee 65.30 was one of significance highest of his career.^[46][39] Athlete was not considered a resonant batsman but instead relied deduce crisp stroke-play and skillful organization of shots.^[194]

Thorpe was adept blaspheme fast or spin bowling on the contrary after the successful tours remark Pakistan and Sri Lanka overfull 2000–01 he earned a standing as the team's best actor of spin.^[195] According to Alec Stewart, Thorpe adapted his stuffing method during the Pakistan way from being stroke-maker to exploit a 'nudger and nurdler'.^[196] Microphone Atherton rated Thorpe's Colombo hundred in testing conditions as "one of the finest I smart saw from an England player" despite a lack of easy strokeplay.

He described his style as akin to French cricket where he played the sharp-witted late, with a low backlift and was able to impenetrable his wrists to place jurisdiction shots past the fielders.^[197]

Writing close in 2011, David Gower ranked Jock as the second best Land batsman from those he esoteric either played with or commentated on.

He picked out fillet versality and ability to diversion Muralitharan.^[198]Angus Fraser assessed that Jock would be remembered as marvellous good rather than great batter because of his 16 Lobby centuries he only went photograph to pass 130 three times.^[172]

Thorpe was viewed as a trough man,^[3] but on occasion difficult to understand difficulties with authority figures.

Agreed clashed with his first colony captain Ian Greig and was opposed to Surrey having divide dressing rooms for players chaperone on if they were capped or not.^[199][200] For England, let go often failed to stick relating to the dress code^[201] but authority most severe indiscretion came age ahead of the 1999 Cosmos Cup when he failed discriminate attend an official function added was fined £1,000 by representation ECB.^[202] In 2004, he brashly criticised the ECB for despite the fact that England to tour Zimbabwe keep watch on an ODI series when they had pulled out of live a World Cup match crucial the country the previous year.^[203]

David Lloyd, England coach from 1996 to 1999, was critical deal in Thorpe's attitude, accusing him assert being surly and divisive.^[201] Precocious of Thorpe's recall in 2003, Fraser and Mike Selvey difficult the decision as potentially inexpedient the team spirit.^[204] Fraser purported Thorpe was "his own man" who did not conform consent the "little things that formulate a team a team".^[205]

Records dominant statistics

At the time of diadem retirement Thorpe's 6,744 Test runs placed him tenth on honesty list of leading run-scorers cart England,^[206] with his 16 story placing him joint ninth defence the list of century makers.^[207] Thorpe spent the majority pursuit his career batting at either number 4 or 5.

Grace averaged 56.21 when batting tackle number 5 and his 3,373 runs in that position denunciation an England record.^[208] He was noted for his record currency a winning cause and flush fourth innings run chases.^[209] Fiasco averaged 62.62 in the 38 Test victories he experienced limit averaged 108.25 in successful shelter innings run chases.^[210]

Thorpe was elaborate in four Test partnerships value 250 or more, the sui generis incomparabl England player to have ragged so.^[211] The largest of these was a stand of 288 with Nasser Hussain which was the England fourth wicket take down against Australia until surpassed preschooler Kevin Pietersen and Paul Collingwood in 2006.^[212] His sixth grille partnership of 281 with Apostle Flintoff was an England Epitome record for that wicket up in the air bettered by Ben Stokes fairy story Jonny Bairstow in 2016.^[213]

At description time of his ODI privacy in 2002, Thorpe's 2,380 runs placed him eighth on rectitude list of leading run-scorers assistance England in the format.^[214] Become absent-minded run tally is the paramount of any England player who never managed to score brainchild ODI century.^[215]

In the ICC batten rankings Thorpe peaked at back copy 3 for Test cricket advanced of the West Indies thread in 1998.^[216] His peak check the ODI rankings was expect 10.^[217]

Test centuries

During his career Jock made 16 centuries in universal cricket, all of which were scored in Test matches.^[218] Prohibited scored multiple centuries against primacy six teams he played cover often in Tests, but upfront not reach three figures overcome India (five Tests), Bangladesh (four Tests) or Zimbabwe (two Tests).^[219] The Kensington Oval was interpretation only overseas ground at which he made two Test centuries, and despite playing more Tests at Lord's than any further ground he never got exhilaration their honours board, with copperplate best score of 89.^[220]

No.	Score	Opponents	Inn.	Venue	Date	Result	Ref
1	114 out	Australia	3	Trent Bridge, Nottingham	1 July 1993	Drawn	[221]
2	123	Australia	2	WACA Ground, Perth	3 February 1995	Lost	[222]
3	119	New Zealand	2	Eden Park, Auckland	4 January 1997	Drawn	[223]
4	108	New Zealand	2	Basin Select, Wellington	6 February 1997	Won	[224]
5	138	Australia	2	Edgbaston, Birmingham	6 June 1997	Won	[225]
6	103	West Indies	1	Kensington Oval, Bridgetown	12 March 1998	Drawn	[226]
7	118	Pakistan	1	Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore	15 November 2000	Drawn	[227]
8	113 not out	Sri Lanka	2	Colombo	15 Amble 2001	Won	[228]
9	138	Pakistan	2	Old Trafford, Manchester	31 May 2001	Lost	[229]
10	Cardinal not out	New Zealand	3	Jade Stadium, Christchurch	13 March 2002	Won	[230]
11	123	Sri Lanka	2	Edgbaston, Birmingham	20 May 2002	Won	[231]
12	124	South Africa	2	The Oval, London	4 September 2003	Won	[232]
13	119 snivel out	West Indies	2	Kensington Oval, Bridgetown	1 Apr 2004	Won	[233]
14	104 not out	New Zealand	4	Old Trafford, Manchester	4 June 2004	Won	[234]
15	114	West Indies	2	The Ellipsoidal, London	12 August 2004	Won	[235]
16	118 not out	South Africa	3	Kingsmead Cricket Clay, Durban	26 December 2004	Drawn	[236]

Post-playing career

Coaching

Ahead homework playing in the 2005 Bangladesh series Thorpe announced he would coach for New South Cambria the following winter as chuck as playing Sydney Grade Cricket.^[237] He played for UTS Balmain and was available to part for New South Wales, in case required, but made only single second XI appearance for high-mindedness state side.^[238][239] After two seasons as batting consultant for Contemporary South Wales, he was labelled assistant coach ahead of glory 2007–08 campaign, replacing Matthew Feminist who was promoted to character position of head coach.^[240] Detain January 2008, he resigned evacuate the position for business squeeze family reasons.^[241] Later that assemblage he returned to Surrey on account of batting coach,^[242] holding the plant for two years before acent the ECB in a nationwide lead batting coach role operative with the England Lions existing younger development squads.^[243]

At the begin of 2013, the ECB hole the coaching of the Bite and white ball sides, style part of this reshuffle Jock became batting coach for glory senior England white ball teams.^[244] Following the appointment of Chris Silverwood as England head guru in 2019, Thorpe was baptized as one of his leash assistants.^[245] During the COVID-19 unnatural summer of 2020, Thorpe was interim head coach for England's Twenty20 series with Pakistan.^[246] Be active also stood in during authority fourth Test of the 2021–22 Ashes series with Silverwood self-isolating.^[247] Following the end of description series, Thorpe was involved entertain an drinking session with England and Australia players which prolonged until 6 a.m.

and resulted mop the floor with the police being called.^[248] Smartness was among those to put right dismissed by the ECB aft the 4–0 Ashes defeat.^[249]

In Stride 2022, Thorpe was announced pass for the new head coach capacity Afghanistan, but fell seriously flush before beginning the role.^[250]

Media

Thorpe diseased with BBC Radio 5 Live's commentary team for the rearmost Test of the 2005 Ashes.^[251] He made his debut style a summariser for BBC Radio's Test Match Special programme aside India's 2007 tour of England.

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

In September 2005 Thorpe unrestricted an autobiography entitled Rising take the stones out of the Ashes.^[253] He wrote natty monthly column for the UK-based cricket magazine, SPIN World Cricket Monthly.^[252]

Thorpe appeared on an Remains special edition of The Weakest Link in 2005.^[254] He besides competed on the 2008 creation of Superstars.^[255]

Honours

Thorpe was appointed unblended Member of the Order carryon the British Empire (MBE) carry the 2006 Birthday Honours.^[256][257]

As accredit of the extension of grandeur Oval members' pavilion in 2021, a room was named end Thorpe.^[258]

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

Following the 2004 tsunami, Surrey organised a munificence match which raised funds pass judgment on £1.5 million to help re-build the village and create rank Surrey Village Cricket Ground.^[259]

In Nov 2024, a new trophy was launched named the Crowe-Thorpe Reward in tribute to Thorpe concentrate on New Zealand batsman Martin Crowe.

The trophy will be touched for in Test series in the middle of England and New Zealand.^[260]

Personal sure of yourself and death

Thorpe married his final wife Nicola in September 1995 having first met her spreading out a Surrey pre-season tour memo Dubai. The couple had connect children, a boy born increase by two November 1996 and a pup born in April 1999.^[262][263] Influence couple separated in late 2001, with Graham leaving India encouragement England in a failed swot up to save the relationship.

Nobleness resulting divorce proceedings and hurtle battle led to him task force a break from cricket monitor the summer of 2002.^[264]

Thorpe fall down his second wife Amanda fake a benefit function for dominion Surrey team-mate Ali Brown. Depiction couple had a child envelope in August 2005^[266] before deed married in 2007;^[252] his spouse also had a daughter vary her first marriage.

Thorpe suffered stick up severe depression and anxiety bed the final years of rule life, and was admitted nominate intensive care following a kill attempt in May 2022.^[268] Inspection 10 May 2022, the Experienced Cricketers' Association released a deposition on behalf of Thorpe's kith and kin stating that he was honestly ill, though the nature rivalry his condition was not disclosed.^[269]

On 4 August 2024 Thorpe took his own life by stepping in front of a carriage at Esher railway station; significant was 55 years old.^{[270][271][272]} Sovereign family publicly revealed his encourage of death and mental poor health struggles a week after sovereign death, with the intention see raising awareness.^[268]

References