All of us at the Wombwell Cricket Lovers' Society, along with the rest of the cricketing world are deeply shocked and saddened to hear about the untimely death of former Surrey and England batsman, Graham Thorpe. Amongst many of the tributes paid today we have reproduced this one from BBC Sport.  

Graham Thorpe played 100 Tests for England between 1993 and 2005, as well as 82 one-day internationals.

A stylish left-handed batsman, he scored 6,744 Test runs for England, including 16 centuries, at an average of 44.66.

Current England captain Ben Stokes was among those to pay tribute to Thorpe, along with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and Surrey, while Michael Vaughan said his former team-mate was a "legend" who had "gone far too young".

"There seem to be no appropriate words to describe the deep shock we feel at Graham's death," the ECB said in a statement. More than one of England's finest-ever batsmen, 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 team-mates 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.

The cricket world is in mourning today. Our hearts go out to his wife Amanda, his children, father Geoff, and all of his family and friends during this unimaginably difficult time.

We will always remember Graham for his extraordinary contributions to the sport."

Thorpe scored 16 centuries in 100 Tests for England and spent his entire first-class playing career at Surrey, whom he represented from 1988 to 2005.

Surrey chair Oli Slipper said Thorpe "is one of the great sons" of the county and "there is an overwhelming sadness that he will not walk through the gates of the Oval again".

Surrey chief executive Steve Elworthy added: "He achieved remarkable feats for club and country and was a hero to so many cricket fans."

Thorpe scored an unbeaten 114 in the second innings of his Test debut against Australia in 1993 and had a Test best of 200 not out, made against New Zealand in 2002.

He began coaching in Australia after retiring from playing in 2005, working with New South Wales before joining the England set-up from 2010 to 2022.

Thorpe was appointed head coach of Afghanistan in March 2022, but he was admitted to hospital with a serious illness before he could join the team.

'Great man and legend'

England captain Stokes wore a shirt in Thorpe's honour in 2022

England captain Stokes wore a special shirt in support of Thorpe in June 2022 after the Professional Cricketers' Association said the ex-England batter was "seriously ill".

The shirt had Thorpe's name and the number 564 on the back - signifying his status as the 564th player to be capped by England.

Stokes donned the shirt at the toss for the first Test against New Zealand at Lord's.

He posted a picture on social media of himself in the shirt on Monday, along with a series of heart emojis following the news about Thorpe’s death.

David Gower, a former England captain and dashing left-hander, remembered Thorpe for "how good he was in all conditions".

"One of his highlights... was the 64 not out at Karachi in 2000 where England won a series for the first time in yonks against Pakistan, in Pakistan, and they had to do it in pitch black darkness," Gower told Sky Sports.

"We up in the commentary box 80 or 90 metres away couldn't see anything live.

"Only the genius of TV cameras allowed us to see what was going on, but that was a good example of his grit, determination and will to win.

"He was very talented and what bears that out are his figures against all-comers." 

Friends praise ‘wonderful’ player and colleague

Stuart Broad

“Genuinely gutted, Loved Thorpey. As a kid I would run in from the garden to watch him bat. The Kookaburra Bubble [bat] and that famous knee up pull shot. Got to know him through his coaching roles with England and he was a wonderful person with a beautiful family. Thinking of everyone who knew him today and everyone who was inspired by him.”

Michael Vaughan

“RIP Thorpey. Thanks for all the advice throughout my career, you were a great player and a brilliant team-mate. You have gone far too young but you leave as an England cricket legend … Thoughts with all who knew Thorpey and to all the family. xxx”

Dean Headley

“Sadness is all I have on hearing the passing of Graham Thorpe. A warrior in our batting line up and a player not talked about enough for his elegance and style of play. My thoughts are with his family and all at @surreycricket. RIP little genius.”

‌Derek Pringle

“Graham Thorpe had his demons but this is just such a sad day… RIP Thorpey, a fabulous cricketer and team-mate.”

Joe Root

“Hero, mentor and so much more. Rest in peace and thanks for everything!”

Ben Duckett

“Heartbreaking to see Thorpey has passed away. He was one of my heroes growing up and I was fortunate to work with him. My thoughts go out to all of his friends and family during this tough time.‌“

Shaun Udal

“Such tragic news about Graham Thorpe, played with and against the little legend since the age of 10, great player and human being, so young, thoughts with his family and friends. x‌“

Sam Billings

“So much to thank this man for: the help, the guidance, the laughs. You’ll be sorely missed Thorpey.”

‌Greg James

“This is unbearably sad. If you grew up and fell in love with cricket in the 90s, You’ll know how much of a legend this man is. An amazingly brave batter, stylish, understated and just f------ cool.”

Darren Gough

“Such heartbreaking news to wake up to this morning. A great player who I was lucky enough to have as a team-mate so many times. I’ll miss you Thorpey. Thoughts with his family and everyone at Surrey CCC RIP.”

Dominic Cork

“Just devastated. Thorpey we will all miss you. One of best to wear the England and Surrey shirts. You’ve left us far too soon but the memories you leave with last a lifetime. RIP Chalky.”

Kumar Sangakkara

“Rest in Peace Thorpey. Great man and legend. Thoughts with his family, loved ones and friends. Gone far too early.”

David ‘Bumble’ Lloyd

“So very sad to hear that Graham Thorpe has passed away. Many colleagues and opponents will shed a tear. One of Surrey and England’s finest. R.I.P Graham.”