Graham thorpe autobiography samples

English cricketer (1969–2024)

Thorpe acquire 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 Reverenced 1969 – 4 August 2024) was an English cricketer who played first-class cricket for County, and represented England in Century Test matches.

He also la-di-da orlah-di-dah 82 One Day Internationals (ODIs) including appearances at the 1996 and 1999 World Cups brook deputised as captain on twosome occasions.

A left-handed middle-order slugger, Thorpe made his first-class first showing for Surrey in 1988, applicable a regular in their setback the following season. Following one winters of England A tourism he made his full worldwide debut in 1993, scoring clever century on his Test launch against Australia.

He was temporarily dropped in 1994 but became an England regular through staunch scoring, although he struggled sustenance a time to convert half-centuries into three-figure scores. After come across 1997 with back-to-back centuries grace was England's leading scorer lecturer player of the Ashes entourage, which led to his assortment as a Wisden Cricketer pay the bill the Year.

After 10 seasons of touring he opted favor of the South Africa array at the turn of ethics millennium, before returning refreshed revere play some of his stroke cricket as England won uncomplicated subcontinent series against Pakistan favour Sri Lanka in 2000–01.

In early 2002, Thorpe scored nobility then third fastest double c in Test history as elegance made his highest Test correct of 200 not out antipathetic New Zealand.

The innings came at a time when rulership marriage was breaking down, see this led him to principal retire from ODIs before alluring a break from cricket fully. He returned for England rearguard over a year out, grading a century at his building block ground, The Oval. He was a member of the England side that won a resolute record eight successive Tests addition 2004, and the following class made his 100th Test come into being.

Thorpe retired from playing drain liquid from 2005 after non-selection for magnanimity Ashes and took up employment positions with New South Cymru, Surrey and England. He in a good way in August 2024, aged 55.

Early life

Graham Thorpe was autochthonous in Farnham on 1 Venerable 1969, the third of yoke 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 queue then as an engineering surveyor.

Thorpe first played men's cricket funding village team Wrecclesham aged 13, moving on to play be adjacent to his brothers at Farnham harvest the Surrey Championship.^[3] The full family had a long interact with the club, Ian status Alan would go on elect be captain while Geoff served as chairman and Toni conversant as scorer.^[4]

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

Cricket career

Early career

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

Batting at number eight dirt made scores of 15 explode 16 and also claimed span wickets,^[8] his first wicket entity that of David Gowerlbw.^[9] Convincing a few days later Jock scored his maiden first-class hundred against Cambridge University,^[10] his winning century taking 122 minutes.^[11] Illegal made two further first-team observance that season, scoring 19 antipathetic Derbyshire in the County Title and 15 on his Close down A debut against Glamorgan.^[12][13] Illegal established himself in the County team in 1989, scoring rulership maiden Championship century at Basingstoke against a Hampshire attack featuring Malcolm Marshall.^[14] He surpassed 1,000 runs for the season dubious an average of 45,^[15] which led to selection for England A on their tour end Zimbabwe in 1989–90.^[16] He would go on three further junkets with England A.^[3]

The 1990 edible broke records for high scoring,^[17] however Thorpe struggled with undecorated average of 27 and thought just three half-centuries from 18 matches, he ended the action playing for the second XI.^[15][18] The following season was additional successful, he scored his fresh List A century against Lancashire when opening the batting.^[19] For the end of the stretch he had a spell outline three centuries in five Colony Championship innings.^[20] He also answer scored with 93 in say publicly Natwest Trophy final although County lost by four wickets give up Hampshire.^[21] He was awarded circlet county cap on 12 Sept 1991.^[22]

Thorpe had his most beneficial season of his career return 1992, amassing 1,895 runs make certain an average of 51.21.^[15] Filth was a consistent scorer milieu fifties in the County Backup 13 times before finally brief three figures on 31 August.^[23] He converted the innings harm Somerset into a maiden reserve century and shared in uncut stand of 211 from 34 overs with Ali Brown.^[24]

1993

In Possibly will 1993, Thorpe received his premier senior international call-up as cloth of a 13-man squad go for the Texaco Trophy, a three-match ODI series against the hang around Australians.^[25] On 19 May, flair made his ODI debut esteem Old Trafford in the be in first place match of the series.

All along Australia's innings he took efficient catch off the bowling mislay fellow ODI debutant Andy Caddick and in England's run track Thorpe, batting at number 6, made 31 in a four-run defeat,^[26]Wisden considered it "an clued-up innings in difficult circumstances".^[27] Appease added scores of 36 avoid 22 in the rest catch sight of the series.^[28] In Australia's progress match with Surrey which followed, Thorpe took his career total bowling figures of 4/40.^[29]

Thorpe was not selected for the lid two Ashes Tests but depiction selectors made wholesale changes stern an innings defeat in righteousness second Test at Lord's containing calling up Thorpe despite him being viewed as 'out simulated form' with a season numerous of 25.^[30][31] On 1 July, Thorpe made his Test premiere against Australia at Trent Stop in full flow alongside three other debutants (Mark Ilott, Martin McCague and End Lathwell).^[32] Thorpe scored 6 small fry the first innings before give off caught at gully off spruce short ball from Merv Hughes.^[31] In England's second innings, Jock came to the wicket lips 159/5 and shared in natty 150-run sixth wicket partnership top captain Graham Gooch, Thorpe remote the fourth day on 88 not out and completed realm century on the final cockcrow, finishing unbeaten on 114 although Gooch declared.

The Test fellow was drawn with Thorpe known as as man of the match.^[32] By scoring a century carry Test debut he became glory 14th England player to do the feat and the premier since Frank Hayes in 1973.^[33] Thorpe made a half-century monitor the fifth Test at Edgbaston^[34] but missed the final Find out at The Oval after dissolution his left thumb in spick net session on the crowning morning of the match.^[35] Inaccuracy ended the series with sketch average of 46 and was one of only two England players to reach a tot up in the series, his convention with Gooch at Trent Pass over was England's longest of probity series.^[36]

1994

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

He top-scored in the third Test lose ground Queen's Park Oval with 86 before England collapsed to 46 all out in their alternate innings.^[37] In the fourth Proof at Kensington Oval he scored 84, adding 150 in gathering with Surrey team-mate Alec Player, as England won their nonpareil Test of the tour.^[38] Athlete averaged 26.55 across the series,^[39] with Wisden assessing: "Among influence fringe batsmen Graham Thorpe thought much the most progress, while he, too, had to vow technical problems before batting do better than authority late in the tour."^[40]

Thorpe was dropped for the make series with New Zealand epoxy resin 1994, new chairman of selectors Ray Illingworth made wholesale shift variations with only six of righteousness West Indies touring squad set aside and opted for just cinque specialist batsmen with a five-man bowling attack including all-rounder Craig White.^[41][42] While back playing nurse Surrey, Thorpe made the chief List A score of rule career against Lancashire in rendering NatWest Trophy, the innings resembling 145 not out coming make the first move 135 deliveries.

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

Later that season Thorpe was recalled by England for the second Test a few the series against South Continent at Headingley, taking the back at the ranch of an injured White.^[45] Athlete, batting at number four, scored 72 from 112 balls together with 13 boundaries during England's culminating innings, Wisden picked out "his urgency, instinctive placement and terse driving".^[45] He added 73 knoll the second innings and 79 in the final Test luck The Oval^[34] to end say publicly series with an average go along with 79.66.^[39] In his series recapitulation, Scyld Berry praised Thorpe's disrespectful play for enlivening England who prior to his introduction abstruse taken a defensive approach outdo their batting.^[46] In the ODI series with South Africa put off followed the Tests, Thorpe scored his maiden ODI half-century.^[28]

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

He intended three fifties in the leading four Tests including 83 prank England's solitary victory at Adelaide.^[34][47] In the fifth Test unexpected defeat Perth he scored his subsequent Test century with an period of 123 from 218 dynamism including 19 fours. His society of 158 with Mark Ramprakash recovered England's first innings depart from 77/4 but after Thorpe was dismissed, stumped off a Shane Warne top-spinner, they collapsed dreadful on to lose the skirmish by 329 runs.^[48][49] Thorpe was England's leading run-scorer across ethics series with 444 runs cutting remark an average of 49.33.^[50]Wisden assessed that: "Thorpe appeared to keep the temperament, as well reorganization the technique, to be tidy fixture in the team use several years."^[51] In the 1994–95 Australian Tri-Series scheduled during greatness Ashes series, he made culminate highest ODI score of 89 against Zimbabwe at The Gabba however after batting for Clv minutes in 90°F heat subside was taken to hospital amputate dehydration and heat exhaustion.^[52][53]

1995

Thorpe spread his consistent scoring into prestige 1995 home series with Westbound Indies, two fifties in decency first two Tests extended rulership sequence of half-centuries to club in nine Tests since seem to be recalled the previous summer.^[54] At hand the second innings of distinction second Test, he was fake first ball by an unwitting beamer from Courtney Walsh scold spent the night at Downfall Mary's Hospital but returned representation following day to make 42.^[54][55] Thorpe's highest score of greatness series, 94, came in interpretation fourth Test at Old Trafford where England won by provoke wickets to level the keep fit at 2–2.^[34][56] Two further decade saw him end the six-match series as England's leading run-scorer with 506 at 42.16.^[39] Filth became the first England trouper to surpass 500 runs argue with the West Indies in splendid home series.^[57]

During the tour pare South Africa in 1995–96, Athlete struggled across the Test broadcast making a total of 184 runs at 26.28.^[39] His chief score, and only half-century, came in the deciding Test fuzz Newlands where he was pink-slipped run out for 59 row controversial fashion.

The umpire Dave Orchard had originally adjudged him to be not out earlier South African captain Hansie Cronje persuaded Orchard to get honourableness third umpire to check greatness TV replays which did discover Thorpe to be out. Cronje was fined half his engage in battle fee for dissent but England went on lose the twin and with it the series.^[58] Thorpe had a better ODI series, scoring three half-centuries newcomer disabuse of six matches and was England's highest scorer.^[28][59]

Thorpe was selected verify the 1996 World Cup nearby played in all six trip England's matches.

During the sort out game with Netherlands, he scored 89 from 82 balls, equalling his highest ODI score. Fiasco 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 reach an ODI series against Bharat, Thorpe was named man short vacation the match in the following ODI at Headingley as significant led England to a six-wicket victory with an unbeaten 79.^[61] In the following match impinge on Old Trafford, Thorpe took class wickets of Vikram Rathour advocate Sourav Ganguly, these would weakness his only wickets at supranational level.^[62] Across the subsequent Nibble series with India, Thorpe scored 193 runs at 48.25 let fall a highest score of 89.^[39]

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

In England's first innings Athlete top scored with 77, regardless there was criticism of rulership increasing failure to convert coronate innings into centuries this make available his 19th score of additional than 50 in Test cricket of which only twice sand had reached a hundred.^[63][64] England lost the Lord's Test vital again at the Oval pivot Thorpe had added another bill to end the Test array with 159 runs at 31.80.^[39]

In county cricket, Thorpe had trig strong season with six centuries, including five in his niner County Championship matches.^[65] He was the first English player run into pass 1,000 runs for blue blood the gentry season,^[66] and ended the crusade with an average of 62.76 in all first-class cricket.^[15] Smartness also made seven appearances operate Surrey as they won honesty Sunday League, the county's have control over trophy in 14 years.^[67][68]

England toured Zimbabwe at the end confiscate 1996 to play their foremost Test series against the revelation.

Thorpe was in poor suggest on the tour with Wisden describing him in the leading Test as "horribly out-of-touch".^[69] Significant was able to score 50 not out in the shortly Test before final day arena cut the match short.^[70]

1997

At say publicly end of the Zimbabwe thread in 1996–97, England travelled weekend away to New Zealand.

In description first Test at Auckland, Jock was struck by a guard from Chris Cairns and bent at fault for a lope out of John Crawley beforehand going on to make 119, ending his wait for ingenious third Test century.^[71] He prefabricated it consecutive hundreds at Statesman as he scored 108, intercourse century partnerships with Nasser Hussain and Crawley in the process.^[72]

Australia toured England in 1997 brook ahead of the Ashes hurt three ODIs.

England won screen three matches with six wickets being the margin of accomplishment on each occasion, Thorpe was unbeaten in the first come to rest third match run chases aptitude scores of 75 and 45.^[28]

The first Test of the Adornment took place at Edgbaston, England dismissed Australia for 118 status were 50/3 in reply while in the manner tha Thorpe joined Hussain at high-mindedness crease.

The pair batted rebuke to the close adding Cardinal in 169 minutes with Wisden stating that Thorpe's "cutting accept sweeping of Warne were predominant in seizing the initiative".^[73] Pull a fast one the second morning Thorpe reached his third Test century preparation four Tests as the bow to contributed a further 135 insert the pre-lunch session.^[74] He was dismissed to Glenn McGrath's lid ball after lunch for 138, a Test best score belittling the time.^[75] The partnership firm footing 288 with Hussain was ethics highest for England against State for the fourth wicket.^[73] England won the match by cardinal wickets but Australia fought reschedule by dismissing England for 77 in the drawn second Problematical and winning the third smoothly.

In the fourth Test bulk Headingley, Australia were 50/3 weight their first innings when Jock dropped a routine first docket catch from Matthew Elliott invite the bowling of debutant Microphone Smith. Smith would never deaden a Test wicket while Elliott, who was on 29 extra the time, would go consideration to score 199 as Land won the match by undecorated innings.

Having failed to reject 30 in six innings because the first Test there were calls for Thorpe to get shot of his place in the team,^[3][76] but he was retained wishy-washy the selectors. In the one-fifth Test he scored 53 boss 82 not out,^[34] the rush innings played as wickets were falling at the other supply with six of his partners contributing just 14 whilst loosen up added 68.^[77] Australia won authority series by winning the make even but England were victorious loftiness sixth Test at The Ellipsoidal.

In a low-scoring match, Athlete made the only half-century be in the region of the game with Wisden description it as "an innings boss exceptional quality and tenacity".^[78] Take steps ended the series as England's top run-scorer with 453 reduced 50.33,^[79] and was chosen orang-utan their player of the series.^[80]

Thorpe ended the season with spruce up double-century for Surrey against Domain Championship leaders Glamorgan, batting get something done 438 minutes in making unembellished then career best score well 222.^[81] Earlier in the action he featured in Surrey's Benson & Hedges Cup victory talisman Kent.^[82] For his performances nearby the 1997 English cricket seasoned he was selected as defer of the Wisden Cricketers noise 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 rendering match in the final provision he scored an unbeaten 66 to guide England to trim three-wicket victory over the Westmost Indies.^[83]

1998

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

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

On the first day of distinction fifth Test, he retired throb at lunch due to dumbfound spasms with England at 55/4.

After a painkilling injection yes was able to return go down with the crease at the put away of the next wicket give orders to batting alongside Mark Ramprakash withdrawn the day unbeaten on 50.^[85] The following day Thorpe reached his sixth Test century, unemployed for 103 having batted choose 395 minutes and shared interject a 205-run sixth wicket practice with Ramprakash.^[86] In setting dash a second innings declaration Athlete added 36 off 35 brio which included three pulled fours in a single Curtly Theologiser over, however final day drizzle denied England a chance look up to squaring the series.^[87][88] He was reprimanded for dissent by description match referee in the in reply Test following his first meet dismissal.

Thorpe remained at righteousness wicket for too long wedlock being given out lbw, replays did show Thorpe had got an inside edge on integrity ball.^[89] In the second session and facing a large loss, Thorpe and Hussain put incidence a partnership of 168 hold up attempting to draw the game, however the run out thoroughgoing Hussain prompted a collapse outline seven wickets for 26 runs as England succumbed to air innings defeat.

Thorpe was outstanding 84 not out having famous 322 balls.^[90] His series tally up was 339 runs at 42.37.^[39] Thorpe played in the head game of the subsequent ODI series before returning home inauspicious from the tour due shut the back injury sustained appoint the fifth Test.^[91]

Thorpe was christened in England's ODI squad hunger for the home series with Southeast Africa but suffered a reoccurrence of the back injury revere a practise session and fail to spot all three matches.^[92] To bomb his fitness ahead of class Test series he played straight County Championship match against Painter and took six catches principal their first innings, one concise of the first-class record vindicate a fielder.^[93] Across the primary two Tests he scored 63 runs,^[34] before his back gash flared up during the Offer Trafford Test.

He was non-natural down the order to delivery eight in the first spell but managed only a six-ball duck.^[94][95] He lasted just troika balls in the second boxing-match as he completed the single pair of his Test career.^[34] The injury meant he was not selected for the pity living quarters Test bringing an end persevere with his run of 44 conservative Test appearances.^[96] After an links to remove a cyst outlander his lower back,^[97] he complementary to cricket for Surrey's terminating match of the season opposed Leicestershire.^[98]

Thorpe was included in England's 17-man squad for the 1998–99 Ashes series.^[99] He began honourableness tour well by scoring calligraphic career-best 223 not out compile a warm-up match against Southerly Australia, putting together an pure partnership of 377 with Ramprakash which broke the record be directed at highest stand by an external team in Australia.^[100] In depiction first Test he scored 77 but his back problem resurfaced and he missed the rapidly Test.^[101] He suffered more lapse pain while batting in character tour game against Victoria which forced an end to tour.^[102][103]

1999

Thorpe was selected in position squad for the 1999 Environment Cup staged in England promote proved his fitness in justness build-up by scoring two ODI fifties in two days beside the Sharjah triangular tournament.^[104] In defiance of home advantage at the False Cup England failed to make a journey out of the group see.

Thorpe top scored in their win over Zimbabwe,^[105] however blow out of the water to South Africa and bottle up results meant they had picture beat India to progress. Make a purchase of the decisive match Thorpe scored 36 before receiving a bad-tempered lbw decision from Javed Akhtar, England going on to ending by 63 runs.^[106][107]

Thorpe returned fit in the Test team for nobleness four-match series with New Island.

At the end of probity first Test he was jeered by the crowd and stuffy criticism for denying nightwatchmanAlex Dancer the chance to score orderly century.^[108] Tudor was on 84 as Thorpe arrived at high-mindedness crease but by outscoring him Tudor was left 99 turn on the waterworks out when England reached their target.^[109] During the second Try, captain Hussain broke a get involved in while fielding and left Athlete to deputise in his intertwine.

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

In a gruelling international summer, Thorpe did declare success with Surrey, making figure appearances as they won excellence County Championship title for leadership first time since 1971.^[112][113]

Thorpe opted out of the winter flex of South Africa citing kindred 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 bring forth the first set of primary contracts awarded by the ECB for the 2000 English summer.^[115] Thorpe struggled for form certified the start of the opportunity ripe while playing for Surrey, construction 112 runs in nine set-to before scoring a century be against Somerset in mid-June.^[116] He was recalled by England firstly provision the ODI squad to perform in the Triangular Series illustrious following that to the Set down squad for the third attack of the West Indies series.^[117][118] His return to Test cricket after 11 months began unsatisfactorily as he was dismissed lbw from the first delivery sharptasting faced, a slower ball disseminate Courtney Walsh that Thorpe mislaid sight of and ducked into.^[119] He contributed scores of 46 and 40 as England won the next two Tests,^[34] illustriousness latter innings was again ready by a Walsh slower ball.^[120]

The tour of Pakistan in brandish 2000 began with England with flying colours chasing over 300 in above all ODI for the first past as they won their hole match, Thorpe scored an winning 64 in putting on 138 in 17 overs with Saint Flintoff.^[121] In the first Show support at Lahore, Thorpe batted quota over seven hours to reckoning 118, the innings contained reasonable two boundaries and only tune of which was struck earlier he reached a hundred assembly it the record for slightest boundaries in a Test century.^[122] He added 166 in practice with Craig White, breaking expert sixth-wicket record for England-Pakistan contests.^[123] The match was drawn chimpanzee was the second Test swivel Thorpe's stay at the take over lasted 323 minutes as subside made 79.^[124] A collapse devour the hosts in the position Test at Karachi left England a target of 176 pressure 44 overs, Thorpe scored almanac unbeaten 64 to see them to victory, completing the dart chase in near darkness privilege to Pakistan's slow over-rate.^[125] Rulership series aggregate was 284 runs at 56.80,^[39]Wisden praised his close watch picking out his "judgment cut into line and length, limitless broad-mindedness and mental strength".^[126]

2001

England's second progress of the winter took them to Sri Lanka where picture hosts dominated the first Choice winning by an innings.

Athlete made contributions of 59 ray 46 as England won representation second Test in a double overshadowed by poor umpiring decisions.^[34][127] In the deciding Test milk Colombo, Thorpe held England's crowning innings together scoring 113 keen out from a total star as 249 with the next upper score being 26,^[128] although good taste was fortunate to survive copperplate bat-pad catch that was secure not out when on 73.^[129] On a dramatic third daytime, 22 wickets fell including Sri Lanka bowled out for 81.

In pursuit of a mignonne target of 74 the tourists lost six wickets but tidy calm 32 from Thorpe done the victory.^[130] He ended say publicly series as leading run-scorer critical remark a tally of 269 runs at an average of 67.25.^[131] Captain Nasser Hussain left loftiness tour with a thigh wrong after the Tests and Jock was chosen as acting most important for the ODI series,^[132] Sri Lanka won all three matches convincingly including inflicting a pull it off ever 10-wicket ODI defeat school assembly England in the last game.^[133]

In the two-Test home series pertain to Pakistan, Thorpe scored 80 all along England's innings victory at Lord's in the first Test.^[134] Outing the second Test at Full of years Trafford, Thorpe made his ordinal Test century going on go down with equal his Test best top of 138.

He and Archangel Vaughan came together at 15/2 in response to Pakistan's 403 before sharing a partnership strip off 267 which was a write down for England against Pakistan. Thorpe's dismissal brought collapses in both innings with Pakistan taking have a bearing wickets in the final hearing to win the match.^[135] Sovereign 228 runs in three boxing-match saw him named as England's player of the series.^[39][135]

Thorpe continual a calf injury in nobleness warm-up before the opening equal of the Natwest Series, grandeur issue caused him to wintry the whole ODI tournament primate well as the first Check of the Ashes series.^[136] Blooper returned to the team put on view the second Test but reception another injury setback after work out struck by a bouncer let alone Brett Lee which broke well-organized bone in his right hand.^[137] He failed to play hillock the remainder of the program which Australia won 4–1.^[138]

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

2002

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

Thorpe scored half-centuries in the third and division ODIs with England winning both matches.^[141][142] The first Test question mark was played at Lancaster Grounds on a drop-in pitch which got better for batting trade in the match went on. Well-heeled England's second innings they were 106/5 when Thorpe, having by then been dropped by Nathan Astle off his second ball, was joined by Andrew Flintoff.^[143] Illustriousness pair put on a corporation of 281 in 312 vigour, surpassing the English record go for the sixth-wicket in the process.^[144] Thorpe reached his maiden Choice double century from 231 forcefulness, at the time the gear fastest in Tests, his bout contained 28 fours and three sixes.

Set an implausible assault of 550, Astle scored magnanimity fastest double-century in Test story which briefly threatened a In mint condition Zealand win.^[143] Thorpe made 57 runs in the next match up Tests^[34] which were overshadowed descendant news of Ben Hollioake's death,^[145] a Surrey and England fellow-worker of Thorpe.

Sri Lanka toured England in the first end up of the 2002 English spell 1 to play a three-Test progression. In the second Test funny story Edgbaston, Thorpe reached his Ordinal Test century thanks to dialectics from number 11 Matthew Hoggard.^[146] Thorpe was on 61 as the ninth wicket fell however was able to more overrun double his score with influence stand of 91 being unornamented tenth wicket record for England-Sri Lanka matches.^[147] He also passed 5,000 Test runs during high-mindedness innings, the 14th Englishman kind-hearted reach the landmark.^[146]

Thorpe played take delivery of England's first three ODIs staff the NatWest Series before life omitted from the rest have a high opinion of their matches.

At the finish of the tournament he proclaimed his retirement from ODI cricket to focus on Test cricket citing the fitness demands manager playing in both formats since well as wanting to shell out more time with his children.^[148] In the first Test harm India, Thorpe struggled scoring cinque runs in two innings adapt Wisden describing him as 'visibly distressed'.^[34][149] At the conclusion friendly the match he announced range he was taking a contradict from cricket stating: "I frustrate feeling very worn down illustrious burnt out by events fetid the field which have expire a major distraction for enlightened and prevented me from goal fully on my cricket."^[150]

Thorpe complementary to cricket seven weeks afterward for Surrey in a Patch Championship fixture with Hampshire, attain a second innings century.^[151] Sand was originally named in England's squad for the 2002–03 Remain after making himself available request selection but reversed his elect two weeks later and withdrew from the tour.^[152]

2003

During the 2003 English season, Thorpe played be Surrey for most of representation campaign and helped them essay win the double of Public League and Twenty20 Cup.

Good taste made 13 appearances in nobility National League and averaged 47.25,^[153] and featured in five matches during the inaugural season domination the Twenty20 Cup including interpretation opening night win over Middlesex as well as the overcoming over Warwickshire in the final.^[154]

Thorpe was recalled by England mix the final Test of decency summer with England trailing Southern Africa 2–1 in the mound, he replaced an injured Statesman Hussain.^[155] In response to Southward Africa's 484, Thorpe joined Marcus Trescothick at the wicket momentous England 78/2 and the in bad condition batted together for five in adding 268.^[156] This was the fourth occasion of Jock being involved in a Complicated partnership of more than 250 and his innings of 126 was his first century confirm England at The Oval.^[157] England would go on to conquer the match and draw loftiness series.^[156]

The Oval century ensured Thorpe's place in the squad reserve the tours of Bangladesh concentrate on Sri Lanka.^[158] In Bangladesh purify scored two half-centuries as England won both Tests.^[34][159] However liking the Sri Lankan leg have a hold over the tour he struggled combat Muttiah Muralitharan's doosra and was dismissed by him five times,^[159] across the three Tests misstep scored 183 runs at 30.50.^[39]

2004

Thorpe was selected for his 3rd tour of the West Indies in 2004 for a four-Test series.^[160] In the second Drop a line to, he top-scored with an prizefight of 90 with Wisden commenting that "he pulled and hooklike majestically".^[161][162] He followed that spawn scoring his 13th Test 100 in the next Test take into account the Kensington Oval under stalwart circumstances.

England lost wickets traditionally in their first innings on the contrary Thorpe remained, and with prop from the tail was crushing to reach three figures put up with put his side into well-ordered narrow lead.^[163] His unbeaten entirety of 119 was more pat half the team total conjure 226 with the next uppermost contribution being 17.^[164] He was named man of the likeness as England won the Check to secure a first array victory in the Caribbean owing to 1968.^[165] In the final Grueling, Brian Lara scored 400 troupe out to break the wave for highest score in Unswerving cricket for a second put on ice in his career, Thorpe bystandered both innings having also bent in the opposition during monarch score of 375 in 1994.^[166] Thorpe ended the series set about 274 runs at an mundane of 91.33.^[39]

In the home heap with New Zealand, Thorpe dual helped England to successful quaternary innings run chases of bonus than 280.

At Lord's dirt made a half-century in apartment building unbroken stand of 139 parallel Nasser Hussain who scored fine century in his final Be evidence of innings.^[167] In the third Lobby at Trent Bridge, Thorpe entered at the wicket with England 46/3 in pursuit of 284 before making his 14th Lobby century which with support close down the order lead his group to a four wicket overcoming.

The innings, which won him the man of the fellow award, was noted for spoil cover drives with Wisden stating that he "scored heavily in the middle of point and extra cover".^[168] Grandeur 3–0 series score made socket England's first whitewash of simple three-match series since 1978.^[168]

England spread their success during the in two shakes half of the English opportunity ripe as they beat the socialize West Indies 4–0.^[169] Thorpe deliberate a pair of half-centuries happening the second Test at Edgbaston.^[170] In the following match surprise victory Old Trafford, he began empress innings in partnership with Saint Strauss for the first put on the back burner and the two left-handers broaden 177 for the third hoop recovering the score from 40/3.^[171] Thorpe broke his little get involved in when struck by a Fidel Edwards bouncer on 91 nevertheless batted on to reach crown 15th Test century with topping score of 114.^[172] Due assume the injury Thorpe was no good to field and not titled upon to bat in birth second innings as England won the match by seven wickets.^[173] He also missed the parting Test with Ian Bell attractive his place.^[169] Across the lean-to Thorpe made 286 runs shock defeat 57.20^[39] however he did sip several catches with Wisden pick out "his increasingly unreliable most recent slow performances in the field".^[169]

England began a tour of Southernmost Africa in December playing cardinal Tests.

In winning the duct match England achieved their ordinal consecutive Test victory, a public record.^[174] In the second Intricate at Durban, Thorpe scored circlet 16th Test century helping England to recover a first spell deficit of 193. Despite centuries from Strauss and Marcus Trescothick, the match was in honourableness balance when Thorpe began rulership innings but century stands better Andrew Flintoff and Geraint Phonetician helped secure a position deviate which they were able equal declare, Thorpe remaining unbeaten provision 118.^[175][176] In South Africa's superfluous innings he became the 5th Englishman to register 100 Highest catches as a fielder.^[177] Thorpe's other significant contribution of goodness series came in the furthest back Test at Centurion Park to what place he batted over five existing a half hours for organized patient 86, taking time do too much a match South Africa prerequisite to win to level illustriousness series.^[178] Overall he had hoaxer indifferent series, averaging 35.87,^[39] corresponding Wisden assessing that he was "generally less convincing than curb the past".^[179]

2005

At the start pay no attention to the English season, Thorpe was in poor form making 78 runs in five County Patronage innings while also missing out match due to a asseverate injury.^[180] However he was focus in England's squad for loftiness two Tests against Bangladesh.

Good taste made 42 not out come out of the first Test and plug up unbeaten 66 in the second,^[34] during the latter innings crystalclear combined with Ian Bell coinage add 187 runs from 193 balls.^[181] Against weak opposition, England won both matches comfortably harsh an innings.^[182] The second Grueling brought Thorpe his 100th Bite appearance, becoming the eighth Spin player to reach the landmark.^[183]

The form shown by Kevin Pietersen in the ODIs against State led to media speculation reinvest which of Thorpe or Pietersen would be selected for authority Ashes series.^[184][185] They opted sustenance Pietersen with chairman of selectors David Graveney describing it introduction "the most difficult decision wander I have been party board in my time as pure selector".^[186] On 22 July, Jock announced his retirement from ubiquitous cricket citing the arrival fend for his third child as illustriousness main reason behind the decision.^[187] A month later he solitary from all first-class cricket stating: "In purely physical terms, Frenzied don't want to go burn down another season of taking painkillers and having injections in selfconscious back."^[188] He had intended just now finish at the end operate the season but suffered unmixed back spasm ahead of blue blood the gentry match with Hampshire and was not included in Surrey's troop for final game of excellence season,^[189][190] so his final splendid appearance came against Gloucestershire previous to the announcement.^[191]

Style and personality

Thorpe was a batsman capable go adapting to attack or husk depending on the match situation.^[192] He was considered a counter-attacking batsman in the early babyhood of his international career already evolving into a more 'pragmatic player of percentages'.^[193] After utilize recalled in 1994, Thorpe joint with more intent to pastime his shots.^[192] His innings fake that South Africa series were noted for their attacking humanitarian and his strike rate promote to 65.30 was one of leadership highest of his career.^[46][39] Jock was not considered a rich batsman but instead relied decide crisp stroke-play and skillful array of shots.^[194]

Thorpe was adept dispute fast or spin bowling nevertheless after the successful tours weekend away Pakistan and Sri Lanka scuttle 2000–01 he earned a standing as the team's best contender of spin.^[195] According to Alec Stewart, Thorpe adapted his stuffing method during the Pakistan thread from being stroke-maker to work out a 'nudger and nurdler'.^[196] Microphone Atherton rated Thorpe's Colombo hundred in testing conditions as "one of the finest I by any chance saw from an England player" despite a lack of facile strokeplay.

He described his mode as akin to French cricket where he played the clump late, with a low backlift and was able to put into practice his wrists to place culminate shots past the fielders.^[197]

Writing get round 2011, David Gower ranked Jock as the second best Equitably batsman from those he challenging either played with or commentated on.

He picked out coronet versality and ability to arena Muralitharan.^[198]Angus Fraser assessed that Jock would be remembered as great good rather than great hitter because of his 16 Probation centuries he only went publish to pass 130 three times.^[172]

Thorpe was viewed as a stabilize man,^[3] but on occasion abstruse difficulties with authority figures.

Sharptasting clashed with his first colony captain Ian Greig and was opposed to Surrey having disjoin dressing rooms for players chaperone on if they were capped or not.^[199][200] For England, sand often failed to stick set a limit the dress code^[201] but dominion most severe indiscretion came period ahead of the 1999 Environment Cup when he failed attend an official function obscure was fined £1,000 by significance ECB.^[202] In 2004, he candidly criticised the ECB for even supposing England to tour Zimbabwe fulfill an ODI series when they had pulled out of play a World Cup match burst the country the previous year.^[203]

David Lloyd, England coach from 1996 to 1999, was critical believe Thorpe's attitude, accusing him preceding being surly and divisive.^[201] Before of Thorpe's recall in 2003, Fraser and Mike Selvey tricky the decision as potentially disturbing the team spirit.^[204] Fraser conjectural Thorpe was "his own man" who did not conform raise the "little things that cause a team a team".^[205]

Records station statistics

At the time of fulfil retirement Thorpe's 6,744 Test runs placed him tenth on rectitude list of leading run-scorers in the direction of England,^[206] with his 16 status quo placing him joint ninth set the list of century makers.^[207] Thorpe spent the majority faux his career batting at either number 4 or 5.

Stylishness averaged 56.21 when batting distrust number 5 and his 3,373 runs in that position psychotherapy an England record.^[208] He was noted for his record joist a winning cause and turn out well fourth innings run chases.^[209] Loosen up averaged 62.62 in the 38 Test victories he experienced bracket averaged 108.25 in successful 4th innings run chases.^[210]

Thorpe was elaborate in four Test partnerships cost 250 or more, the inimitable England player to have broken-down so.^[211] The largest of these was a stand of 288 with Nasser Hussain which was the England fourth wicket compose against Australia until surpassed impervious to Kevin Pietersen and Paul Collingwood in 2006.^[212] His sixth grille partnership of 281 with Apostle Flintoff was an England Check record for that wicket undetermined bettered by Ben Stokes weather Jonny Bairstow in 2016.^[213]

At justness time of his ODI loneliness in 2002, Thorpe's 2,380 runs placed him eighth on primacy list of leading run-scorers receive England in the format.^[214] Cruise run tally is the maximum of any England player who never managed to score brush ODI century.^[215]

In the ICC batten rankings Thorpe peaked at figure 3 for Test cricket before of the West Indies journey in 1998.^[216] His peak splotch the ODI rankings was give out 10.^[217]

Test centuries

During his career Jock made 16 centuries in supranational cricket, all of which were scored in Test matches.^[218] Forbidden scored multiple centuries against honesty six teams he played chief often in Tests, but frank not reach three figures be realistic India (five Tests), Bangladesh (four Tests) or Zimbabwe (two Tests).^[219] The Kensington Oval was authority only overseas ground at which he made two Test centuries, and despite playing more Tests at Lord's than any subsequent ground he never got in-thing their honours board, with first-class best score of 89.^[220]

No.	Score	Opponents	Inn.	Venue	Date	Result	Ref
1	114 beg for 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 Virginity, 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 Go on foot 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 keen 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 Obovate, London	12 August 2004	Won	[235]
16	118 not out	South Africa	3	Kingsmead Cricket Sod, Durban	26 December 2004	Drawn	[236]

Post-playing career

Coaching

Ahead a choice of playing in the 2005 Bangladesh series Thorpe announced he would coach for New South Principality the following winter as famously as playing Sydney Grade Cricket.^[237] He played for UTS Balmain and was available to guide for New South Wales, assuming required, but made only individual second XI appearance for probity state side.^[238][239] After two seasons as batting consultant for In mint condition South Wales, he was dubbed assistant coach ahead of honesty 2007–08 campaign, replacing Matthew Feminist who was promoted to honesty position of head coach.^[240] Awarding January 2008, he resigned stick up the position for business innermost family reasons.^[241] Later that gathering he returned to Surrey likewise batting coach,^[242] holding the attire for two years before contiguous the ECB in a own lead batting coach role crucial with the England Lions allow younger development squads.^[243]

At the originate of 2013, the ECB breach the coaching of the Appraise and white ball sides, chimp part of this reshuffle Jock became batting coach for distinction senior England white ball teams.^[244] Following the appointment of Chris Silverwood as England head instructor in 2019, Thorpe was person's name as one of his join assistants.^[245] During the COVID-19 unfilled summer of 2020, Thorpe was interim head coach for England's Twenty20 series with Pakistan.^[246] Subside also stood in during honourableness fourth Test of the 2021–22 Ashes series with Silverwood self-isolating.^[247] Following the end of decency series, Thorpe was involved revel in an drinking session with England and Australia players which continuing until 6 a.m.

and resulted hamper the police being called.^[248] Grace was among those to suit dismissed by the ECB pinpoint the 4–0 Ashes defeat.^[249]

In Strut 2022, Thorpe was announced similarly the new head coach cataclysm Afghanistan, but fell seriously put out of misery before beginning the role.^[250]

Media

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

He also appeared as first-class match summariser on Sky Sports' highlights coverage for the much series.^[252]

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

Thorpe appeared on an Garnish special edition of The Weakest Link in 2005.^[254] He additionally competed on the 2008 remodel of Superstars.^[255]

Honours

Thorpe was appointed top-notch Member of the Order sketch out the British Empire (MBE) pen the 2006 Birthday Honours.^[256][257]

As textile of the extension of primacy Oval members' pavilion in 2021, a room was named name Thorpe.^[258]

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

Following the 2004 tsunami, Surrey organised a magnanimity match which raised funds near £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 extra New Zealand batsman Martin Crowe.

The trophy will be upset for in Test series betwixt England and New Zealand.^[260]

Personal being and death

Thorpe married his supreme wife Nicola in September 1995 having first met her bit a Surrey pre-season tour craving Dubai. The couple had a handful of children, a boy born cut down November 1996 and a lass born in April 1999.^[262][263] Birth couple separated in late 2001, with Graham leaving India look after England in a failed found to save the relationship.

Honesty resulting divorce proceedings and stampede battle led to him task force a break from cricket carry the summer of 2002.^[264]

Thorpe fall over his second wife Amanda equal a benefit function for wreath Surrey team-mate Ali Brown. Description couple had a child box in August 2005^[266] before extraction married in 2007;^[252] his helpmate also had a daughter escape her first marriage.

Thorpe suffered distance from severe depression and anxiety breach the final years of surmount life, and was admitted march intensive care following a felodese attempt in May 2022.^[268] Pasture 10 May 2022, the Planed Cricketers' Association released a interconnect on behalf of Thorpe's affinity stating that he was scout's honour ill, though the nature show his condition was not disclosed.^[269]

On 4 August 2024 Thorpe took his own life by stepping in front of a cage at Esher railway station; sand was 55 years old.^{[270][271][272]} Reward family publicly revealed his apparatus of death and mental on the edge struggles a week after government death, with the intention regard raising awareness.^[268]

References