Former England captain Michael Vaughan and current Test skipper Ben Stokes have led the tributes to Graham Thorpe following his death at the age of 55.
News of the legendary cricketer’s passing on Monday morning was greeted by a flood of statements from his former colleagues, as well as his old county Surrey and the England and Wales Cricket Board.
Vaughan, who captained Thorpe towards the end of his Test career, thanked the left handed batsman for his advice during his career and said his thoughts were with Thorpe’s family.
‘RIP Thorpey.’ Vaughan wrote on X. ‘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.’
Test skipper Stokes tweeted five love heart emojis next to a picture of Thorpe with 564 on his shirt, denoting his Test cap number.
Thorpe’s former county Surrey described him as one of their ‘great sons’.
Chair Oli Slipper said: ‘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, Surrey chief executive, 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.’
Former England and Hampshire bowler Shaun Udal lauded a ‘great player and human being’ in a post following the tragic news.
‘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,’ he wrote.
Another of Thorpe’s former team-mates Derek Pringle said the batsman was a ‘fabulous cricketer’ despite his troubles, writing: ‘Graham Thorpe had his demons but this is just such a sad day…..RIP Thorpey, a fabulous cricketer and team mate.’
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