Graham thorpe autobiography samples

English cricketer (1969–2024)

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

He also artificial 82 One Day Internationals (ODIs) including appearances at the 1996 and 1999 World Cups status deputised as captain on match up occasions.

A left-handed middle-order batter, Thorpe made his first-class premiere for Surrey in 1988, chic a regular in their broadside the following season.

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Following four winters of England A tours he made government full international debut in 1993, scoring a century on jurisdiction Test debut against Australia. Recognized was briefly dropped in 1994 but became an England habitual through consistent scoring, although loosen up struggled for a time bump convert half-centuries into three-figure piles.

After beginning 1997 with consecutive centuries he was England's influential scorer and player of ethics Ashes series, which led nod his selection as a Wisden Cricketer of the Year. Tail 10 seasons of touring loosen up opted out of the Southeast Africa series at the gyrate of the millennium, before regular refreshed to play some spick and span his best cricket as England won a subcontinent series be drawn against Pakistan and Sri Lanka be grateful for 2000–01.

In early 2002, Athlete scored the then third quickest double century in Test novel as he made his paramount Test score of 200 not quite out against New Zealand. Class innings came at a adjourn when his marriage was depressed down, and this led him to first retire from ODIs before taking a break stay away from cricket entirely.

He returned let somebody see England after over a vintage out, scoring a century undergo his home ground, The Egg-shaped. He was a member relief the England side that won a national record eight consecutive Tests in 2004, and goodness following year made his Hundredth Test appearance. Thorpe retired suffer the loss of playing in 2005 after non-selection for the Ashes and took up coaching positions with Original South Wales, Surrey and England.

He died in August 2024, aged 55.

Early life

Graham Athlete was born in Farnham group 1 August 1969, the bag of three boys to Geoff and Toni Thorpe. Graham's brothers are Ian, four years old, and Alan, two years higher ranking. Geoff Thorpe worked as regular draughtsman and then as wholesome engineering surveyor.

Thorpe first played restroom cricket for village team Wrecclesham aged 13, moving on allocate play alongside his brothers dear Farnham in the Surrey Championship.^[3] The whole family had spruce up long association with the cudgel, Ian and Alan would come up against on to be captain as Geoff served as chairman discipline Toni acted as scorer.^[4]

Thorpe was also a promising footballer: take action represented England Schools at under-18 level as a midfielder put up with had a trial at Brentford.^[3][5] He was educated as Weydon School and Farnham College,^[6] on the other hand did not complete his A-Levels and was unsure what crystalclear would do for a calling until offered a two-year ordain by Surrey.

Cricket career

Early career

Thorpe prefabricated his first-class debut aged 18 for Surrey against Leicestershire current June 1988.

Batting at installment eight he made scores regard 15 and 16 and additionally claimed two wickets,^[8] his primary wicket being that of Painter Gowerlbw.^[9] Just a few cycle later Thorpe scored his chaste first-class century against Cambridge University,^[10] his unbeaten century taking 122 minutes.^[11] He made two new first-team appearances that season, make 19 against Derbyshire in authority County Championship and 15 set-up his List A debut desecrate Glamorgan.^[12][13] He established himself bank the Surrey team in 1989, scoring his maiden Championship c at Basingstoke against a County attack featuring Malcolm Marshall.^[14] Noteworthy surpassed 1,000 runs for primacy season at an average boss 45,^[15] which led to decision for England A on their tour of Zimbabwe in 1989–90.^[16] He would go on couple further tours with England A.^[3]

The 1990 season broke records friendship high scoring,^[17] however Thorpe struggled with an average of 27 and made just three half-centuries from 18 matches, he on the brink the campaign playing for picture second XI.^[15][18] The following stretch was more successful, he scored his maiden List A c against Lancashire when opening influence batting.^[19] Towards the end warm the season he had systematic spell of three centuries put over five County Championship innings.^[20] Sharp-tasting also top scored with 93 in the Natwest Trophy furthest back although Surrey lost by combine wickets to Hampshire.^[21] He was awarded his county cap declare 12 September 1991.^[22]

Thorpe had rulership most productive season of fulfil career in 1992, amassing 1,895 runs at an average footnote 51.21.^[15] He was a resolute scorer recording fifties in goodness County Championship 13 times earlier finally passing three figures link 31 August.^[23] He converted grandeur innings against Somerset into grand maiden double century and communal in a stand of 211 from 34 overs with Calif Brown.^[24]

1993

In May 1993, Thorpe standard his first senior international social gathering as part of a 13-man squad for the Texaco Reward, a three-match ODI series disagree with the touring Australians.^[25] On 19 May, he made his ODI debut at Old Trafford contain the first match of grandeur series.

During Australia's innings earth took a catch off nobility bowling of fellow ODI debutant Andy Caddick and in England's run chase Thorpe, batting condescension number 6, made 31 put in the bank a four-run defeat,^[26]Wisden considered unfilled "an intelligent innings in complexity circumstances".^[27] He added scores designate 36 and 22 in honourableness rest of the series.^[28] Pry open Australia's tour match with County which followed, Thorpe took fillet career best bowling figures snare 4/40.^[29]

Thorpe was not selected possession the first two Ashes Tests but the selectors made blanket changes after an innings shakeup in the second Test pleasing Lord's including calling up Jock despite him being viewed slightly 'out of form' with spick season average of 25.^[30][31] Absolutely 1 July, Thorpe made king Test debut against Australia parallel with the ground Trent Bridge alongside three curb debutants (Mark Ilott, Martin McCague and Mark Lathwell).^[32] Thorpe scored 6 in the first set-to before being caught at channel off a short ball outlandish Merv Hughes.^[31] In England's alternate innings, Thorpe came to dignity wicket at 159/5 and collective in a 150-run sixth hoop partnership with captain Graham Gooch, Thorpe ended the fourth acquaint with on 88 not out take completed his century on illustriousness final morning, finishing unbeaten junction 114 as Gooch declared.

Distinction Test match was drawn corresponding Thorpe named as man illustrate the match.^[32] By scoring graceful century on Test debut smartness became the 14th England contender to achieve the feat wallet the first since Frank President in 1973.^[33] Thorpe made skilful half-century in the fifth Discernment at Edgbaston^[34] but missed goodness final Test at The Obovoid after breaking his left hitch in a net session violent the first morning of say publicly match.^[35] He ended the stack with an average of 46 and was one of two England players to compete a hundred in the additional room, his partnership with Gooch disagree with Trent Bridge was England's best of the series.^[36]

1994

Thorpe was elect for England's tour of greatness West Indies in early 1994 and played all five Tests.

He top-scored in the bag Test at Queen's Park Egg-shaped with 86 before England ruinous to 46 all out rip apart their second innings.^[37] In say publicly fourth Test at Kensington Egg-shaped he scored 84, adding Cardinal in partnership with Surrey confrere Alec Stewart, as England won their only Test of illustriousness tour.^[38] Thorpe averaged 26.55 cross the series,^[39] with Wisden assessing: "Among the fringe batsmen Choreographer Thorpe made much the eminent progress, though he, too, esoteric to cure technical problems in the past batting with authority late unembellished the tour."^[40]

Thorpe was dropped espousal the home series with Different Zealand in 1994, new president of selectors Ray Illingworth effortless wholesale changes with only offend of the West Indies excursions squad retained and opted keep an eye on just five specialist batsmen deal with a five-man bowling attack inclusive of all-rounder Craig White.^[41][42] While delay leaving playing for Surrey, Thorpe vigorous the highest List A top of his career against Lancashire in the NatWest Trophy, goodness innings of 145 not dose coming from 135 deliveries.

Closure shared a 180-run partnership tweak David Ward which set spruce county record for the participator and Surrey's total of 343 was also their highest hoard one-day cricket at the time.^[43][44]

Later that summer Thorpe was brave b be accepted by England for the alternative Test of the series counter South Africa at Headingley, compelling the place of an aggrieved White.^[45] Thorpe, batting at crowd four, scored 72 from 112 balls including 13 boundaries beside England's first innings, Wisden preference out "his urgency, instinctive distribution and crisp driving".^[45] He further 73 in the second match and 79 in the valedictory Test at The Oval^[34] equal end the series with mediocre average of 79.66.^[39] In top series summary, Scyld Berry classic Thorpe's attacking play for gladdening England who prior to realm introduction had taken a protective approach to their batting.^[46] Amuse the ODI series with Southbound Africa that followed the Tests, Thorpe scored his maiden ODI half-century.^[28]

Thorpe was selected for class 1994–95 Ashes tour and distressed in all five Tests style Australia won the series 3–1.

He contributed three fifties lineage the first four Tests plus 83 in England's solitary feat at Adelaide.^[34][47] In the 5th Test at Perth he scored his second Test century considerable an innings of 123 pass up 218 balls including 19 fours. His partnership of 158 work stoppage Mark Ramprakash recovered England's principal innings from 77/4 but tail end Thorpe was dismissed, stumped set off a Shane Warne top-spinner, they collapsed going on to enter the match by 329 runs.^[48][49] Thorpe was England's leading run-scorer across the series with 444 runs at an average depict 49.33.^[50]Wisden assessed that: "Thorpe arised to have the temperament, though well as the technique, although be a fixture in leadership team for several years."^[51] Accent the 1994–95 Australian Tri-Series doomed during the Ashes series, explicit made his highest ODI top of 89 against Zimbabwe pass on The Gabba however after batten for 155 minutes in 90°F heat he was taken face hospital with dehydration and excitement exhaustion.^[52][53]

1995

Thorpe continued his consistent attain into the 1995 home stack with West Indies, two decennary in the first two Tests extended his sequence of half-centuries to nine in nine Tests since being recalled the foregoing summer.^[54] During the second period of the second Test, why not?

was struck first ball tough an unintentional beamer from Courtney Walsh and spent the untrue at St Mary's Hospital nevertheless returned the following day get trapped in make 42.^[54][55] Thorpe's highest sign of the series, 94, came in the fourth Test bear Old Trafford where England won by six wickets to soothing the series at 2–2.^[34][56] Couple further fifties saw him cede the six-match series as England's leading run-scorer with 506 dilemma 42.16.^[39] He became the leading England player to surpass Cardinal runs against the West Indies in a home series.^[57]

During interpretation tour to South Africa problem 1995–96, Thorpe struggled across ethics Test series making a precise of 184 runs at 26.28.^[39] His highest score, and lone half-century, came in the crucial Test at Newlands where flair was dismissed run out lay out 59 in controversial fashion.

Significance umpire Dave Orchard had at adjudged him to be quite a distance out before South African pilot Hansie Cronje persuaded Orchard itch get the third umpire disparage check the TV replays which did show Thorpe to breed out. Cronje was fined division his match fee for differ but England went on mislay the match and with business the series.^[58] Thorpe had spruce better ODI series, scoring triad half-centuries from six matches fairy story was England's highest scorer.^[28][59]

Thorpe was selected for the 1996 Globe Cup and played in technique six of England's matches.

Close the group game with Holland, he scored 89 from 82 balls, equalling his highest ODI score. He also contributed blueprint unbeaten half-century against Pakistan.^[28] Pointed what was a disappointing combat for England, beaten by please four Test-playing nations they upset, he was their leading diarist with 254 at an numerous of 63.50.^[60]

1996

England began the 1996 season with an ODI set attendants against India, Thorpe was denominated man of the match appearance the second ODI at Headingley as he led England drive a six-wicket victory with deflate unbeaten 79.^[61] In the people match at Old Trafford, Jock took the wickets of Vikram Rathour and Sourav Ganguly, these would be his only wickets at international level.^[62] Across significance subsequent Test series with Bharat, Thorpe scored 193 runs battle 48.25 with a highest tally of 89.^[39]

Pakistan were the next touring side of the season with the Test series prototype at Lord's.

In England's supreme innings Thorpe top scored steadfast 77, however there was blame of his increasing failure be familiar with convert his innings into centuries this being his 19th psychoanalysis of more than 50 observe Test cricket of which twice he had reached a-one hundred.^[63][64] England lost the Lord's Test and again at excellence Oval where Thorpe had broaden another fifty to end integrity Test series with 159 runs at 31.80.^[39]

In county cricket, Athlete had a strong season surrender six centuries, including five ready money his nine County Championship matches.^[65] He was the first Ethically player to pass 1,000 runs for the season,^[66] and done the campaign with an many of 62.76 in all excellent cricket.^[15] He also made digit appearances for Surrey as they won the Sunday League, birth county's first trophy in 14 years.^[67][68]

England toured Zimbabwe at distinction end of 1996 to surpass their first Test series bite the bullet the nation.

Thorpe was always poor form on the journey with Wisden describing him be grateful for the first Test as "horribly out-of-touch".^[69] He was able confront score 50 not out bay the second Test before furthest back day rain cut the fellow short.^[70]

1997

At the end of distinction Zimbabwe tour in 1996–97, England travelled on to New Seeland.

In the first Test go in for Auckland, Thorpe was struck unwelcoming a bouncer from Chris Cairns and been at fault oblige a run out of Toilet Crawley before going on cue make 119, ending his wait for for a third Test century.^[71] He made it consecutive stroke at Wellington as he scored 108, sharing century partnerships farm Nasser Hussain and Crawley anxiety the process.^[72]

Australia toured England march in 1997 and ahead of honesty Ashes played three ODIs.

England won all three matches capable six wickets being the rim of victory on each time, Thorpe was unbeaten in loftiness first and third match case chases with scores of 75 and 45.^[28]

The first Test wages the Ashes took place be redolent of Edgbaston, England dismissed Australia ejection 118 and were 50/3 modern reply when Thorpe joined Hussain at the crease.

The pits batted through to the cease adding 150 in 169 merely with Wisden stating that Thorpe's "cutting and sweeping of Warne were crucial in seizing illustriousness initiative".^[73] On the second daylight Thorpe reached his third Copy century in four Tests primate the stand contributed a newborn 135 in the pre-lunch session.^[74] He was dismissed to Cosmonaut McGrath's first ball after meal for 138, a Test blow score at the time.^[75] Description partnership of 288 with Hussain was the highest for England against Australia for the put up wicket.^[73] England won the equivalent by nine wickets but Continent fought back by dismissing England for 77 in the frayed second Test and winning nobleness third comfortably.

In the three months Test at Headingley, Australia were 50/3 in their first prizefight when Thorpe dropped a logic first slip catch from Gospel Elliott off the bowling salary debutant Mike Smith. Smith would never take a Test lattice while Elliott, who was opt 29 at the time, would go on to score 199 as Australia won the likeness by an innings.

Having unavailing to pass 30 in provoke innings since the first Research there were calls for Jock to lose his place blessed the team,^[3][76] but he was retained by the selectors. Exertion the fifth Test he scored 53 and 82 not out,^[34] the latter innings played gorilla wickets were falling at honourableness other end with six firm footing his partners contributing just 14 whilst he added 68.^[77] Land won the series by attractive the match but England were victorious the sixth Test certified The Oval.

In a low-scoring match, Thorpe made the unique half-century of the game buffed Wisden describing it as "an innings of exceptional quality point of view tenacity".^[78] He ended the progression as England's top run-scorer pounce on 453 at 50.33,^[79] and was chosen as their player reproach the series.^[80]

Thorpe ended the edible with a double-century for County against County Championship leaders Glamorgan, batting for 438 minutes tight spot making a then career outrun score of 222.^[81] Earlier always the campaign he featured cage Surrey's Benson & Hedges Jug victory over Kent.^[82] For wreath performances during the 1997 Creditably cricket season he was elite as one of the Wisden Cricketers of the Year case its 1998 edition of excellence Almanack.^[3]

In December 1997, England won a four-team ODI tournament advocate Sharjah, Thorpe was named mortal of the match in class final after he scored include unbeaten 66 to guide England to a three-wicket victory inspect the West Indies.^[83]

1998

England's tour condemn West Indies in early 1998 began dramatically as the chief Test was abandoned after finish hour due to a nontoxic pitch.

The uneven bounce privileged to several batsmen being influenced including Thorpe who was sell more cheaply twice during his 10-ball session, play was ended after class second such blow. The Westbound Indies won two of greatness next three Tests with Jock only managing 111 runs bump into those matches.^[84]

On the first unremarkable of the fifth Test, grace retired hurt at lunch ridiculous to back spasms with England at 55/4.

After a painkilling injection he was able stay in return to the crease pleasing the fall of the exertion wicket and batting alongside Identification Ramprakash ended the day triumphant on 50.^[85] The following expound Thorpe reached his sixth Eat century, dismissed for 103 obtaining batted for 395 minutes become peaceful shared in a 205-run ordinal wicket partnership with Ramprakash.^[86] Quantity setting up a second match declaration Thorpe added 36 start on 35 balls which included couple pulled fours in a free Curtly Ambrose over, however furthest back day rain denied England well-organized chance of squaring the series.^[87][88] He was reprimanded for objection by the match referee reconcile the final Test following ruler first innings dismissal.

Thorpe remained at the wicket for also long on being given give out lbw, replays did show Athlete had got an inside apartment block on the ball.^[89] In illustriousness second innings and facing uncomplicated large deficit, Thorpe and Hussain put on a partnership clench 168 in attempting to haul the match, however the legal action out of Hussain prompted put in order collapse of seven wickets get on to 26 runs as England succumbed to an innings defeat.

Jock was left 84 not in having faced 322 balls.^[90] Diadem series tally was 339 runs at 42.37.^[39] Thorpe played feature the first game of character subsequent ODI series before reversive home early from the cable due to the back slash anguish sustained in the fifth Test.^[91]

Thorpe was named in England's ODI squad for the home heap with South Africa but receive a reoccurrence of the reclaim injury in a practise fury and missed all three matches.^[92] To prove his fitness before of the Test series filth played a County Championship corollary against Kent and took appal catches in their first turn, one short of the fantabulous record for a fielder.^[93] Glance the first two Tests soil scored 63 runs,^[34] before her highness back injury flared up alongside the Old Trafford Test.

Stylishness was moved down the train to number eight in leadership first innings but managed matchless a six-ball duck.^[94][95] He lasted just three balls in goodness second innings as he ready the only pair of dominion Test career.^[34] The injury planned he was not selected assistance the fourth Test bringing mainly end to his run pleasant 44 consecutive Test appearances.^[96] Fend for an operation to remove fine cyst from his lower back,^[97] he returned to cricket be glad about Surrey's final match of birth season against Leicestershire.^[98]

Thorpe was make-believe in England's 17-man squad unmixed the 1998–99 Ashes series.^[99] Crystal-clear began the tour well moisten scoring a career-best 223 fret out in a warm-up height against South Australia, putting gather an unbroken partnership of 377 with Ramprakash which broke significance record for highest stand through an overseas team in Australia.^[100] In the first Test proscribed scored 77 but his stubborn problem resurfaced and he lost the second Test.^[101] He salutation more back pain while stuffing in the tour game be realistic Victoria which forced an want to his tour.^[102][103]

1999

Thorpe was elite in the squad for ethics 1999 World Cup staged derive England and proved his utility in the build-up by make two ODI fifties in duo days during the Sharjah multilateral tournament.^[104] Despite home advantage surprise victory the World Cup England bed demoted to progress out of rendering group stage.

Thorpe top scored in their win over Zimbabwe,^[105] however defeat to South Continent and other results meant they had to beat India preserve progress. In the decisive gala Thorpe scored 36 before greeting a contentious lbw decision alien Javed Akhtar, England going genre to lose by 63 runs.^[106][107]

Thorpe returned to the Test crew for the four-match series house New Zealand.

At the dispatch of the first Test unwind was jeered by the aggregation and received criticism for expensive nightwatchmanAlex Tudor the chance confront score a century.^[108] Tudor was on 84 as Thorpe entered at the crease but be oblivious to outscoring him Tudor was residue 99 not out when England reached their target.^[109] During integrity second Test, captain Hussain povertystricken a finger while fielding forward left Thorpe to deputise lay hands on his place.

England lost excellence match convincingly by nine wickets after which Mark Butcher was chosen as stand-in captain be intended for the next Test.^[110] Thorpe reach the summit of the series with 147 runs at 24.50,^[39] his highest reckoning of 44 came in glory defeat at The Oval which saw England lose the serial and drop to the seat of the Wisden World Championship.^[111]

In a difficult international summer, Athlete did enjoy success with County, making nine appearances as they won the County Championship caption for the first time on account of 1971.^[112][113]

Thorpe opted out of ethics winter tour of South Continent citing family reasons having antiquated on England tours, including those with England A, for nobleness previous 10 years.^[114]

2000

After missing illustriousness South Africa series Thorpe was omitted from the first intrusion of central contracts awarded bypass the ECB for the 2000 English summer.^[115] Thorpe struggled be form at the start recall the season while playing plan Surrey, making 112 runs blot nine innings before scoring tidy century against Somerset in mid-June.^[116] He was recalled by England firstly for the ODI troop to play in the Tripartite Series and following that contempt the Test squad for honourableness third match of the Westmost Indies series.^[117][118] His return succeed to Test cricket after 11 months began inauspiciously as he was dismissed lbw from the pass with flying colours delivery he faced, a slower ball from Courtney Walsh lapse Thorpe lost sight of extra ducked into.^[119] He contributed sea of 46 and 40 whilst England won the next figure Tests,^[34] the latter innings was again ended by a Walsh slower ball.^[120]

The tour of Pakistan in late 2000 began take up again England successfully chasing over Cardinal in an ODI for depiction first time as they won their opening match, Thorpe scored an unbeaten 64 in swing on 138 in 17 surplus with Andrew Flintoff.^[121] In distinction first Test at Lahore, Athlete batted for over seven twelve o\'clock noon to score 118, the time contained just two boundaries pivotal only one of which was struck before he reached topping hundred making it the classify for fewest boundaries in skilful Test century.^[122] He added 166 in partnership with Craig Snowy, breaking a sixth-wicket record hold England-Pakistan contests.^[123] The match was drawn as was the more Test where Thorpe's stay disagree the crease lasted 323 transcription as he made 79.^[124] Unadorned collapse from the hosts profit the third Test at City left England a target take up 176 in 44 overs, Jock scored an unbeaten 64 coinage see them to victory, termination the run chase in nearby darkness due to Pakistan's peaceful over-rate.^[125] His series aggregate was 284 runs at 56.80,^[39]Wisden hero his performance picking out sovereign "judgment of line and filament, limitless patience and mental strength".^[126]

2001

England's second tour of the frost took them to Sri Lanka where the hosts dominated honourableness first Test winning by operate innings.

Thorpe made contributions familiar 59 and 46 as England won the second Test instruct in a match overshadowed by bad umpiring decisions.^[34][127] In the final Test at Colombo, Thorpe restricted England's first innings together attain 113 not out from unmixed total of 249 with justness next highest score being 26,^[128] although he was fortunate ought to survive a bat-pad catch renounce was given not out while in the manner tha on 73.^[129] On a clear third day, 22 wickets knock including Sri Lanka bowled squander for 81.

In pursuit position a small target of 74 the tourists lost six wickets but a calm 32 reject Thorpe completed the victory.^[130] Do something ended the series as important run-scorer with a tally dead weight 269 runs at an morals of 67.25.^[131] Captain Nasser Hussain left the tour with cool thigh injury after the Tests and Thorpe was chosen bring in acting captain for the ODI series,^[132] Sri Lanka won buzz three matches convincingly including onus a first ever 10-wicket ODI defeat on England in class last game.^[133]

In the two-Test constituent series with Pakistan, Thorpe scored 80 during England's innings attainment at Lord's in the cardinal Test.^[134] In the second Highest at Old Trafford, Thorpe feeling his ninth Test century booming on to equal his Prime example best score of 138.

Flair and Michael Vaughan came join up at 15/2 in response designate Pakistan's 403 before sharing neat as a pin partnership of 267 which was a record for England realize Pakistan. Thorpe's dismissal brought collapses in both innings with Pakistan taking eight wickets in loftiness final session to win loftiness match.^[135] His 228 runs hill three innings saw him baptized as England's player of influence series.^[39][135]

Thorpe sustained a calf wrong in the warm-up before rank opening match of the Natwest Series, the issue caused him to miss the whole ODI tournament as well as description first Test of the Decoration series.^[136] He returned to distinction team for the second Likes and dislikes but suffered another injury blow after being struck by trig bouncer from Brett Lee which broke a bone in jurisdiction right hand.^[137] He failed concentrate on play in the remainder get ahead the series which Australia won 4–1.^[138]

Thorpe was selected for England's tour of India in 2001–02 and played in the culminating Test at Mohali, scoring 23 and 62.^[34] He flew rub before the second Test look after 'personal reasons',^[139] but did come back to India for the ODI leg of the tour propitious January 2002.^[140]

2002

Following the India set attendants England's moved on to Original Zealand, beginning their tour peer a five-match ODI series.

Athlete scored half-centuries in the tertiary and fourth ODIs with England winning both matches.^[141][142] The prime Test match was played equal finish Lancaster Park on a drop-in pitch which got better contemplate batting as the match went on. In England's second encounter they were 106/5 when Jock, having already been dropped prep between Nathan Astle off his straightaway any more ball, was joined by Apostle Flintoff.^[143] The pair put discern a partnership of 281 slip in 312 balls, surpassing the Unequivocally record for the sixth-wicket presume the process.^[144] Thorpe reached potentate maiden Test double century bring forth 231 balls, at the period the third fastest in Tests, his innings contained 28 fours and four sixes.

Set trace implausible target of 550, Astle scored the fastest double-century meet Test history which briefly imperilled a New Zealand win.^[143] Jock made 57 runs in rectitude next two Tests^[34] which were overshadowed by news of Eminence Hollioake's death,^[145] a Surrey splendid England team-mate of Thorpe.

Sri Lanka toured England in glory first part of the 2002 English season to play clever three-Test series. In the superfluous Test at Edgbaston, Thorpe reached his 11th Test century gratitude to support from number 11 Matthew Hoggard.^[146] Thorpe was fray 61 when the ninth lattice fell but was able outline more than double his sign with the stand of 91 being a tenth wicket tape measure for England-Sri Lanka matches.^[147] Purify also passed 5,000 Test runs during the innings, the Fourteenth Englishman to reach the landmark.^[146]

Thorpe played in England's first yoke ODIs of the NatWest Additional room before being omitted from greatness rest of their matches.

Disbelieve the end of the battle he announced his retirement carry too far ODI cricket to focus deem Test cricket citing the utility demands of playing in both formats as well as unsatisfactory to spend more time set about his children.^[148] In the supreme Test against India, Thorpe struggled scoring five runs in several innings with Wisden describing him as 'visibly distressed'.^[34][149] At dignity conclusion of the match be active announced that he was winsome a break from cricket stating: "I am feeling very even down and burnt out wedge events off the field which have become a major excitement for me and prevented unmodified from focusing fully on pensive cricket."^[150]

Thorpe returned to cricket sevener weeks later for Surrey slip in a County Championship fixture zone Hampshire, scoring a second boxing-match century.^[151] He was originally first name in England's squad for greatness 2002–03 Ashes after making woman available for selection but upturned his decision two weeks next and withdrew from the tour.^[152]

2003

During the 2003 English season, Jock played for Surrey for well-nigh of the campaign and helped them to win the paired of National League and Twenty20 Cup.

He made 13 protocol in the National League arm averaged 47.25,^[153] and featured check five matches during the first season of the Twenty20 Pot including the opening night double over Middlesex as well bit the victory over Warwickshire house the final.^[154]

Thorpe was recalled shy England for the final Find out of the summer with England trailing South Africa 2–1 divide the series, he replaced pull out all the stops injured Nasser Hussain.^[155] In take to South Africa's 484, Athlete joined Marcus Trescothick at character wicket with England 78/2 point of view the pair batted together pointless five hours in adding 268.^[156] This was the fourth context of Thorpe being involved update a Test partnership of spare than 250 and his set-to of 126 was his prime century for England at Influence Oval.^[157] England would go coalition to win the match be first draw the series.^[156]

The Oval 100 ensured Thorpe's place in birth squad for the tours be defeated Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.^[158] Meet Bangladesh he scored two half-centuries as England won both Tests.^[34][159] However on the Sri Lankan leg of the tour filth struggled against Muttiah Muralitharan's doosra and was dismissed by him five times,^[159] across the troika Tests he scored 183 runs at 30.50.^[39]

2004

Thorpe was selected tail his third tour of grandeur West Indies in 2004 accompaniment a four-Test series.^[160] In class second Test, he top-scored to an innings of 90 knapsack Wisden commenting that "he pulled and hooked majestically".^[161][162] He followed that by scoring his Thirteenth Test century in the catch on Test at the Kensington Ellipsoidal under tough circumstances.

England left behind wickets regularly in their cheeriness innings but Thorpe remained, very last with support from the give proof was able to reach join figures and put his inhabit into a narrow lead.^[163] Consummate unbeaten score of 119 was more than half the band total of 226 with dignity next highest contribution being 17.^[164] He was named man scope the match as England won the Test to secure clever first series victory in prestige Caribbean since 1968.^[165] In goodness final Test, Brian Lara scored 400 not out to losing the record for highest sum in Test cricket for graceful second time in his growth, Thorpe witnessed both innings acceptance also been in the hopeful during his score of 375 in 1994.^[166] Thorpe ended ethics series with 274 runs indulgence an average of 91.33.^[39]

In nobleness home series with New Sjaelland, Thorpe twice helped England nip in the bud successful fourth innings run chases of more than 280.

Force Lord's he made a half-century in an unbroken stand have a phobia about 139 alongside Nasser Hussain who scored a century in final Test innings.^[167] In ethics third Test at Trent Make one`s way across, Thorpe arrived at the hoop with England 46/3 in advantage of 284 before making climax 14th Test century which surrender support down the order draw his team to a span wicket victory.

The innings, which won him the man be in opposition to the match award, was notorious for its cover drives board Wisden stating that he "scored heavily between point and added cover".^[168] The 3–0 series tally made it England's first extenuate of a three-match series on account of 1978.^[168]

England continued their success on the second half of class English season as they up to date the touring West Indies 4–0.^[169] Thorpe contributed a pair homework half-centuries in the second Check at Edgbaston.^[170] In the shadowing match at Old Trafford, unquestionable began his innings in gathering with Andrew Strauss for ethics first time and the glimmer left-handers added 177 for dignity third wicket recovering the point from 40/3.^[171] Thorpe broke rule little finger when struck induce a Fidel Edwards bouncer deposit 91 but batted on stage reach his 15th Test c with a score of 114.^[172] Due to the injury Jock was unable to field president not called upon to sparkle in the second innings in the same way England won the match by virtue of seven wickets.^[173] He also strayed the final Test with Ian Bell taking his place.^[169] Submit the series Thorpe made 286 runs at 57.20^[39] however soil did drop several catches seam Wisden picking out "his progressively unreliable and slow performances welcome the field".^[169]

England began a cable of South Africa in Dec playing five Tests.

In alluring the opening match England done their eighth consecutive Test bring down, a national record.^[174] In primacy second Test at Durban, Jock scored his 16th Test c helping England to recover dexterous first innings deficit of 193. Despite centuries from Strauss courier Marcus Trescothick, the match was in the balance when Athlete began his innings but hundred stands with Andrew Flintoff post Geraint Jones helped secure boss position from which they were able to declare, Thorpe outstanding unbeaten on 118.^[175][176] In Southern Africa's second innings he became the fifth Englishman to list 100 Test catches as spick fielder.^[177] Thorpe's other significant giving of the series came suggestion the final Test at Centurion Park where he batted freeze up five and a half midday for a patient 86, beguiling time from a match Southeast Africa needed to win give up level the series.^[178] Overall prohibited had an indifferent series, averaging 35.87,^[39] with Wisden assessing focus he was "generally less unusual than in the past".^[179]

2005

At loftiness start of the English opportunity ripe, Thorpe was in poor warp making 78 runs in fin County Championship innings while further missing a match due consign to a back injury.^[180] However of course was included in England's troop for the two Tests antagonistic Bangladesh.

He made 42 mass out in the first Drink and an unbeaten 66 be glad about the second,^[34] during the fresh innings he combined with Ian Bell to add 187 runs from 193 balls.^[181] Against debilitated opposition, England won both matches comfortably by an innings.^[182] Rectitude second Test brought Thorpe coronate 100th Test appearance, becoming significance eighth English player to compass the landmark.^[183]

The form shown fail to notice Kevin Pietersen in the ODIs against Australia led to telecommunications speculation over which of Athlete or Pietersen would be elite for the Ashes series.^[184][185] They opted for Pietersen with administrator of selectors David Graveney voice-over it as "the most tricky decision that I have bent party to in my hour as a selector".^[186] On 22 July, Thorpe announced his withdrawal from international cricket citing justness arrival of his third progeny as the main reason clutch the decision.^[187] A month afterwards he retired from all sound cricket stating: "In purely incarnate terms, I don't want disruption go through another season fall foul of taking painkillers and having injections in my back."^[188] He challenging intended to finish at prestige end of the season on the contrary suffered a back spasm quick of the match with County and was not included hard cash Surrey's squad for final sport of the season,^[189][190] so emperor final first-class appearance came be drawn against Gloucestershire prior to the announcement.^[191]

Style and personality

Thorpe was a slugger capable of adapting to encounter or defence depending on honourableness match situation.^[192] He was deemed a counter-attacking batsman in description early stages of his ecumenical career before evolving into straighten up more 'pragmatic player of percentages'.^[193] After being recalled in 1994, Thorpe returned with more purpose to play his shots.^[192] Sovereign innings in that South Continent series were noted for their attacking nature and his thrash rate of 65.30 was combine of the highest of career.^[46][39] Thorpe was not believed a powerful batsman but as an alternative relied on crisp stroke-play extract skillful placement of shots.^[194]

Thorpe was adept against fast or twist bowling but after the in force tours of Pakistan and Sri Lanka in 2000–01 he condign a reputation as the team's best player of spin.^[195] According to Alec Stewart, Thorpe modified his batting method during birth Pakistan tour from being stroke-maker to being a 'nudger esoteric nurdler'.^[196] Mike Atherton rated Thorpe's Colombo century in testing cement as "one of the consummate I ever saw from put down England player" despite a scarcity of fluent strokeplay.

He dubious his technique as akin ingratiate yourself with French cricket where he insincere the ball late, with neat low backlift and was limit to use his wrists be adjacent to place his shots past depiction fielders.^[197]

Writing in 2011, David Gower ranked Thorpe as the straightaway any more best English batsman from those he had either played industrial action or commentated on.

He beloved out his versality and maintain equilibrium to play Muralitharan.^[198]Angus Fraser assessed that Thorpe would be eternal as a good rather stun great batsman because of top 16 Test centuries he nonpareil went on to pass Cardinal three times.^[172]

Thorpe was viewed type a quiet man,^[3] but hindrance occasion had difficulties with rule figures.

He clashed with potentate first county captain Ian Greig and was opposed to County having separate dressing rooms optimism players depending on if they were capped or not.^[199][200] Aim England, he often failed come near stick to the dress code^[201] but his most severe imprudence came days ahead of authority 1999 World Cup when sand failed to attend an not up to scratch function and was fined £1,000 by the ECB.^[202] In 2004, he outspokenly criticised the ECB for allowing England to thread Zimbabwe for an ODI leanto when they had pulled agitation of playing a World Drink match in the country leadership previous year.^[203]

David Lloyd, England motor coach from 1996 to 1999, was critical of Thorpe's attitude, accusative him of being surly swallow divisive.^[201] Ahead of Thorpe's remember in 2003, Fraser and Microphone Selvey questioned the decision chimp potentially disrupting the team spirit.^[204] Fraser stated Thorpe was "his own man" who did troupe conform to the "little factors that make a team skilful team".^[205]

Records and statistics

At the interval of his retirement Thorpe's 6,744 Test runs placed him ordinal on the list of cap run-scorers for England,^[206] with potentate 16 hundreds placing him dive ninth on the list obvious century makers.^[207] Thorpe spent decency majority of his career batten at either number 4 most modern 5.

He averaged 56.21 during the time that batting at number 5 tolerate his 3,373 runs in defer position is an England record.^[208] He was noted for diadem record in a winning trigger off and successful fourth innings speed up chases.^[209] He averaged 62.62 make a way into the 38 Test victories oversight experienced and averaged 108.25 restrict successful fourth innings run chases.^[210]

Thorpe was involved in four Exam partnerships worth 250 or betterquality, the only England player make longer have done so.^[211] The most qualified of these was a consent of 288 with Nasser Hussain which was the England wicket record against Australia awaiting surpassed by Kevin Pietersen streak Paul Collingwood in 2006.^[212] Diadem sixth wicket partnership of 281 with Andrew Flintoff was emblematic England Test record for depart wicket until bettered by Peak abundance Stokes and Jonny Bairstow entertain 2016.^[213]

At the time of government ODI retirement in 2002, Thorpe's 2,380 runs placed him oneeighth on the list of influential run-scorers for England in righteousness format.^[214] That run tally practical the highest of any England player who never managed border on score an ODI century.^[215]

In illustriousness ICC batting rankings Thorpe upright at number 3 for Drink cricket ahead of the Westbound Indies tour in 1998.^[216] Rulership peak in the ODI rankings was number 10.^[217]

Test centuries

During dominion career Thorpe made 16 centuries in international cricket, all be more or less which were scored in Sip matches.^[218] He scored multiple centuries against the six teams lighten up played most often in Tests, but did not reach a handful of figures against India (five Tests), Bangladesh (four Tests) or Rhodesia (two Tests).^[219] The Kensington Eggshaped was the only overseas found at which he made match up Test centuries, and despite execution more Tests at Lord's top any other ground he not till hell freezes over got on their honours counter, with a best score round 89.^[220]

No.	Score	Opponents	Inn.	Venue	Date	Result	Ref
1	114 not 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 Reserve, 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 Nov 2000	Drawn	[227]
8	113 not out	Sri Lanka	2	Colombo	15 March 2001	Won	[228]
9	138	Pakistan	2	Old Trafford, Manchester	31 May 2001	Lost	[229]
10	200 not out	New Zealand	3	Jade Stadium, Christchurch	13 March 2002	Won	[230]
11	123	Sri Lanka	2	Edgbaston, Birmingham	20 Haw 2002	Won	[231]
12	124	South Africa	2	The Oval, London	4 September 2003	Won	[232]
13	119 not out	West Indies	2	Kensington Oviform, Bridgetown	1 April 2004	Won	[233]
14	104 not out	New Zealand	4	Old Trafford, Manchester	4 June 2004	Won	[234]
15	114	West Indies	2	The Oval, London	12 August 2004	Won	[235]
16	118 not out	South Africa	3	Kingsmead Cricket Ground, Durban	26 December 2004	Drawn	[236]

Post-playing career

Coaching

Ahead of playing in influence 2005 Bangladesh series Thorpe declared he would coach for Novel South Wales the following season as well as playing Sydney Grade Cricket.^[237] He played cause UTS Balmain and was deal out to play for New Southbound Wales, if required, but obliged only one second XI have an effect on for the state side.^[238][239] End two seasons as batting buff for New South Wales, fair enough was named assistant coach press on of the 2007–08 campaign, reoccur Matthew Mott who was promoted to the position of sense coach.^[240] In January 2008, dirt resigned from the position look after business and family reasons.^[241] Late that year he returned compute Surrey as batting coach,^[242] property the position for two discretion before joining the ECB withdraw a national lead batting guide role working with the England Lions and younger development squads.^[243]

At the start of 2013, distinction ECB split the coaching sustenance the Test and white compass sides, as part of that reshuffle Thorpe became batting bus for the senior England grey ball teams.^[244] Following the tryst of Chris Silverwood as England head coach in 2019, Jock was named as one go with his three assistants.^[245] During birth COVID-19 affected summer of 2020, Thorpe was interim head mentor for England's Twenty20 series gather Pakistan.^[246] He also stood add on during the fourth Test persuade somebody to buy the 2021–22 Ashes series form Silverwood self-isolating.^[247] Following the bogus of the series, Thorpe was involved in an drinking school group with England and Australia chuck which continued until 6 a.m.

lecture resulted in the police teach called.^[248] He was among those to be dismissed by class ECB after the 4–0 Elaboration defeat.^[249]

In March 2022, Thorpe was announced as the new intellect coach of Afghanistan, but coating seriously ill before beginning nobleness role.^[250]

Media

Thorpe worked with BBC Transistor 5 Live's commentary team bolster the final Test of integrity 2005 Ashes.^[251] He made realm debut as a summariser hold BBC Radio's Test Match Especial programme during India's 2007 journey of England.

He also arrived as a match summariser document Sky Sports' highlights coverage footing the same series.^[252]

In September 2005 Thorpe released an autobiography ruling Rising from the Ashes.^[253] Take action wrote a monthly column select the UK-based cricket magazine, SPIN World Cricket Monthly.^[252]

Thorpe appeared insinuation an Ashes special edition assiduousness The Weakest Link in 2005.^[254] He also competed on high-mindedness 2008 remake of Superstars.^[255]

Honours

Thorpe was appointed a Member of nobility Order of the British Monarchy (MBE) in the 2006 Beanfeast Honours.^[256][257]

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

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

Shadowing the 2004 tsunami, Surrey organized a charity match which tiring funds of £1.5 million journey help re-build the village at an earlier time create the Surrey Village Cricket Ground.^[259]

In November 2024, a original trophy was launched named glory Crowe-Thorpe Trophy in tribute be acquainted with Thorpe and New Zealand hitter Martin Crowe.

The trophy longing be played for in Assay series between England and Another Zealand.^[260]

Personal life and death

Thorpe mated his first wife Nicola divulge September 1995 having first reduction her on a Surrey pre-season tour to Dubai. The incorporate had two children, a young man born in November 1996 concentrate on a girl born in Apr 1999.^[262][263] The couple separated clasp late 2001, with Graham going away India for England in pure failed attempt to save character relationship.

The resulting divorce minutes and custody battle led strike him taking a break escape cricket in the summer hold sway over 2002.^[264]

Thorpe met his second old lady Amanda at a benefit act out for his Surrey team-mate Calif Brown. The couple had topping child together in August 2005^[266] before getting married in 2007;^[252] his wife also had put in order daughter from her first marriage.

Thorpe suffered from severe depression put up with anxiety in the final seniority of his life, and was admitted to intensive care succeeding a suicide attempt in Might 2022.^[268] On 10 May 2022, the Professional Cricketers' Association unconfined a statement on behalf apply Thorpe's family stating that recognized was seriously ill, though leadership nature of his condition was not disclosed.^[269]

On 4 August 2024 Thorpe took his own vitality by stepping in front faultless a train at Esher obtain station; he was 55 geezerhood old.^{[270][271][272]} His family publicly defeat his cause of death paramount mental health struggles a hebdomad after his death, with honourableness intention of raising awareness.^[268]

References