Challenges in the Life of Graham Thorpe in a Detailed Timeline

Resilience and perseverance in the journey of Graham Thorpe. A timeline of obstacles and growth.

Graham Thorpe is a former English cricketer known for his solid technique and resilience. Representing England in 100 Test matches, he was a mainstay in the middle order for over a decade. A Surrey stalwart at the domestic level, he also played 82 One Day Internationals, featuring in both the 1996 and 1999 World Cups, showcasing his adaptability across formats. Thorpe also captained England in three ODIs, further highlighting his leadership qualities within the team.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

1990: Struggles During the 1990 Season

During the 1990 season, Graham Thorpe struggled, averaging 27 and making just three half-centuries from 18 matches, which led to him playing for the second XI.

1994: Ashes Tour and Century in Perth

During the 1994-95 Ashes tour, Graham Thorpe played in all five Tests, scoring his second Test century in the fifth Test at Perth. He also made his highest ODI score of 89 against Zimbabwe but was hospitalized due to dehydration.

1994: Briefly Dropped from England Team

In 1994, Graham Thorpe was briefly dropped from the England team.

1994: Dropped for Home Series and Highest List A Score

In 1994, Graham Thorpe was dropped for the home series with New Zealand but made his highest List A score of 145 not out against Lancashire in the NatWest Trophy while playing for Surrey.

1995: Struggles During the Test Series in South Africa

During the 1995-96 tour to South Africa, Graham Thorpe struggled across the Test series, though he had a better ODI series, scoring three half-centuries and becoming England's highest scorer.

1995: Consistent Scoring and Leading Run-Scorer Against West Indies

In 1995, Graham Thorpe continued his consistent scoring against the West Indies, becoming the first England player to surpass 500 runs in a home series. He was hit by a beamer and spent the night in the hospital.

1996: Poor Form on Zimbabwe Tour

At the end of 1996, during the tour of Zimbabwe, Graham Thorpe was in poor form.

1996: David Lloyd's criticism

From 1996 to 1999, England coach David Lloyd criticised Thorpe's attitude, accusing him of being surly and divisive.

1998: West Indies tour Test abandoned due to dangerous pitch

In early 1998, the first Test of England's tour of the West Indies was abandoned after just an hour of play due to a dangerous pitch. During his brief 10-ball innings, Thorpe was hit twice, leading to the match being called off. The West Indies won two of the subsequent three Tests, with Thorpe scoring only 111 runs in those matches.

1999: David Lloyd's criticism

From 1996 to 1999, England coach David Lloyd criticised Thorpe's attitude, accusing him of being surly and divisive.

1999: 1999 World Cup Performance

In 1999, Thorpe participated in the World Cup held in England. He demonstrated his fitness by scoring two ODI fifties in the Sharjah triangular tournament leading up to the event. At the World Cup, Thorpe top-scored in England's win against Zimbabwe. However, England failed to advance from the group stage after a defeat to South Africa and other unfavorable results. In the crucial match against India, Thorpe scored 36 before a controversial lbw decision led to England's 63-run loss.

1999: ECB fine for missing official function

In 1999, Thorpe was fined £1,000 by the ECB for failing to attend an official function days before the World Cup.

2000: ECB central contract omission and England recall

In 2000, Thorpe was not initially awarded a central contract by the ECB and struggled for form with Surrey. However, after a century against Somerset in mid-June, he was recalled to England's ODI squad and later to the Test squad for the third match of the West Indies series. His return to Test cricket began poorly as he was dismissed lbw on his first ball. He then contributed scores of 46 and 40 in the following two Tests, which England won.

2001: Separation from first wife

In late 2001, Graham Thorpe separated from his first wife, Nicola. He left India for England in an attempt to save the relationship.

2002: Break from cricket

In the summer of 2002, Thorpe took a break from cricket due to divorce proceedings and a custody battle.

2003: Questioned recall due to team spirit disruption

Ahead of Thorpe's recall in 2003, Fraser and Mike Selvey questioned the decision as potentially disrupting the team spirit.

2004: Criticism of ECB over Zimbabwe tour

In 2004, Thorpe criticised the ECB for allowing England to tour Zimbabwe for an ODI series after they had pulled out of playing a World Cup match in the country the previous year.

2021: Involvement in Ashes series incident and dismissal

In 2021, Thorpe stood in as head coach during the fourth Test of the Ashes series. Following the series, he was involved in a drinking session that led to police intervention, and he was subsequently dismissed by the ECB after the 4–0 Ashes defeat.

March 2022: Appointment as head coach of Afghanistan

In March 2022, Thorpe was appointed as the new head coach of Afghanistan, but became seriously ill before he could begin the role.

May 2022: Suicide attempt and hospitalization

In May 2022, Thorpe was admitted to intensive care following a suicide attempt, having suffered from severe depression and anxiety. On May 10, the Professional Cricketers' Association released a statement on behalf of his family, stating that he was seriously ill.