Image source– Twitter/ X (Waqar Younis)
Let’s take a moment to remember Graham Thorpe, who passed away on August 5th. Thorpe was one of England’s most determined and dependable test batters, often going unnoticed during his playing days. His career, from the early 90s to the mid-2000s, was marked by quiet resilience and consistent performances. While he may not have always been in the spotlight, his contributions to English cricket were significant and well-respected by those who followed the game closely.
Graham Thorpe, a gritty left-hander, started his career batting lower down the order. As he moved from domestic cricket to the international stage, his batting position shifted up too. He was one of the few England players to score a debut test century against Australia at Trent Bridge in 1993. Thorpe had a knack for playing late and square of the wicket and was known for his strong pull shots.
We may not remember Graham Thorpe as someone as charismatic as Botham, Nasser Hussain, or Kevin Pietersen, but he certainly brought immense value to the team with his ability to perform in difficult situations. Whether facing Walsh and Ambrose or handling spin in the subcontinent, Thorpe was the player any skipper would rely on, and he often repaid that faith.
Like many left-handers, Thorpe excelled at playing square of the wicket. He played late to neutralize Walsh and Ambrose and used the sweep and his footwork to counter spin. This ability was crucial in England’s series wins in the subcontinent, defeating Pakistan and Sri Lanka in the early 2000s.
In the early parts of his career, Graham Thorpe faced the same issue as Joe Root, struggling to convert 50s into 100s. This problem caught people’s attention, and his contributions often flew under the radar. However, as his career progressed, Thorpe addressed this issue and ultimately scored 16 test hundreds in 100 appearances for England.
For readers who haven’t seen Graham Thorpe play, his role was very similar to what VVS Laxman did for India in Test cricket. Thorpe often batted in difficult situations, helping to pull the team out of trouble. Just as Laxman flew under the radar amidst stars like Sachin, Dravid, and Ganguly, Thorpe was often overshadowed by Alec Stewart, Atherton, and Nasser Hussain in the English team. Despite not always being in the spotlight, Thorpe’s contributions were crucial. He had the knack for staying calm under pressure, guiding the team through tough phases, and playing some of the most memorable innings for England. Like Laxman, his elegance and technique were a delight to watch, even if they didn’t always grab the headlines.
Graham Thorpe’s Test career at a glance
M: 100
Inns: 179
Runs: 6744
Avg.: 44.66
50/100: 39/16
HS: 200*
Graham Thorpe’s best Test score came in the Christchurch Test, which became famous for Nathan Astle’s record-breaking double hundred. Before that, there was a “Thorpe classic,” where he reached his first and only double hundred off just 231 balls. Thorpe had the ability to attack pacers and spinners like Alec Stewart while also defending like Mike Atherton, making him a special player. This versatility was why he was there in the fading light of Karachi to seal a famous Test win for England against Pakistan. He also scored a hundred against them in Lahore, facing a Pakistani attack that was incredibly tough to handle.
As we remember Graham Thorpe, it’s hard not to feel a deep sense of loss. He had unique skills and made significant contributions to cricket, and it’s sad to see him go too soon. Thorpe’s talent shone through in tough situations—whether facing challenging bowlers or helping his team in difficult matches, he was always dependable.
Looking back, it’s clear that Thorpe’s impact goes beyond the runs he scored or the records he set. He was known for his quiet determination and his ability to rise to the occasion. His passing reminds us how precious and fleeting life can be, and how important it is to value those who have made a difference in our lives. Remembering Thorpe brings back memories of his special moments and the lasting mark he left on the game.
