Graham Thorpe, one of the backbones of England batting in the 90s, passed away at the age of 55, ECB confirmed on August 5, 2024. He was hospitalized in 2022 for a mysterious illness when he was named as head coach of the Afghanistan team.  

Thorpe played 100 Tests and 82 ODIs for England from 1993-2005 and scored 6744 and 2380 runs respectively. He also hit 16 Test centuries with a best score of 200*. In his first-class career, Thorpe made 21937 runs in 341 games with 49 centuries and a best of 223*.

“It is with great sadness that the ECB shares the news that Graham Thorpe, MBE, has passed away. There seem to be no appropriate words to describe the deep shock we feel at Graham's death. More than one of England’s finest-ever batters, he was a beloved member of the cricket family and revered by fans all over the world. His skill was unquestioned, and his abilities and achievements across a 13-year international career brought so much happiness to his teammates and England and Surrey CCC supporters alike. Later, as a coach, he guided the best England Men's talent to some incredible victories across all formats of the game,” ECB said in an official statement.

On the other hand, Oli Slipper, Chair at Surrey CCC said: “Graham is one of the great sons of Surrey and there is an overwhelming sadness that he will not walk through the gates of the Oval again. He is a legend of Surrey and brought great pride to the Club wearing both the Three Feathers and the Three Lions. He made outstanding contributions to the Club as a cricketer, and as a man, and he will be so sorely missed.”

Steve Elworthy, CEO at Surrey CCC, said “Everyone associated with the Club is devastated by the tragic news of Graham’s passing. He achieved remarkable feats for club and country and was a hero to so many cricket fans. Our thoughts and condolences are with Graham’s family and friends, to whom we will offer any support that we are able to. We ask that everyone respects the privacy of the family at this incredibly difficult time.”

Thorpe was instrumental in England's back-to-back series wins in Pakistan and Sri Lanka in 2001. After retirement, he went into coaching and was the batting coach of the England team joining in 2010. He was also briefly head coach of England but lost his position after England lost 0-4 to Australia in Ashes 2022.