Former England Cricketer Graham Thorpe Dies at 55

Graham Thorpe, the esteemed former England cricketer, passed away at the age of 55 after a prolonged illness. A left-handed batsman, Thorpe made a significant impact in English cricket, debuting in 1993 with a century against Australia and finishing his career with 100 Test matches, 6,744 runs, and an average of 44.66. Known for his skill against both pace and spin, he was considered one of England's finest middle-order batsmen, earning praise for his performances throughout the 1990s and early 2000s. Despite his on-field success, Thorpe faced personal battles including depression and alcoholism, which affected his career trajectory. His coaching later influenced players like Joe Root and Ben Stokes, further solidifying his legacy. The ECB expressed deep sorrow at his passing, acknowledging his contributions both on and off the field.