Graham Thorpe's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Graham Thorpe.

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

1971: County Championship title with Surrey

In 1971, during a difficult international summer, Thorpe found success with Surrey, making nine appearances as they secured the County Championship title for the first time since 1971.

September 1991: Awarded County Cap

On September 12, 1991, Graham Thorpe was awarded his county cap.

1992: Most Productive Season of Career

In 1992, Graham Thorpe had his most productive season, amassing 1,895 runs and finally converting fifties into a maiden double century on August 31 against Somerset.

1993: International Debut and Century Against Australia

In 1993, Graham Thorpe made his full international debut, scoring a century on his Test debut against Australia.

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: Man of the Match and International Wickets

In 1996, Graham Thorpe was named man of the match in an ODI against India and also took his only international wickets in a subsequent match.

December 1997: Man of the Match in Sharjah ODI Tournament

In December 1997, Graham Thorpe was named man of the match in the final of a four-team ODI tournament in Sharjah after scoring an unbeaten 66 to guide England to victory over the West Indies.

1997: ODI Series Win Against Australia

In 1997, England won all three ODIs against Australia ahead of the Ashes, with Graham Thorpe unbeaten in the first and third match run chases.

1997: Double Century for Surrey and Benson & Hedges Cup Victory

In 1997, Graham Thorpe scored a double-century for Surrey against Glamorgan and featured in Surrey's Benson & Hedges Cup victory over Kent.

1997: Leading Scorer in the Ashes and Wisden Cricketer of the Year

In 1997, Graham Thorpe was England's leading scorer and player of the Ashes series and was later selected as a Wisden Cricketer of the Year.

1998: Wisden Cricketer of the Year Selection

In 1998, Graham Thorpe was selected as one of the Wisden Cricketers of the Year for his performances during the 1997 English cricket season.

1998: ICC batting ranking

In 1998, Thorpe peaked at number 3 in the ICC batting rankings for Test cricket, ahead of the West Indies tour.

2000: Subcontinent Series Win Against Pakistan and Sri Lanka

In 2000, Graham Thorpe returned to play some of his best cricket as England won a subcontinent series against Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

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.

2000: Success in Pakistan tour

In late 2000, the tour of Pakistan began with England successfully chasing over 300 in an ODI for the first time. Thorpe scored an unbeaten 64, partnering with Andrew Flintoff. In the first Test at Lahore, Thorpe scored 118, with a record low number of boundaries for a Test century. He added 166 with Craig White, breaking a sixth-wicket record for England-Pakistan contests. In the third Test at Karachi, Thorpe's unbeaten 64 secured victory for England, completing the run chase in near darkness. He finished the series with 284 runs at 56.80.

2002: Test century and 5,000 Test runs milestone

In 2002, during the second Test against Sri Lanka at Edgbaston, Thorpe scored his 11th Test century with support from Matthew Hoggard. The partnership added 91 runs for the tenth wicket, setting a record for England-Sri Lanka matches. During the innings, Thorpe also surpassed 5,000 Test runs, becoming the 14th Englishman to reach this milestone.

2003: Double win with Surrey

In 2003, Thorpe played for Surrey, contributing to their double win of the National League and Twenty20 Cup. He averaged 47.25 in the National League and participated in five Twenty20 Cup matches, including the final.

2004: Member of England Side Winning Eight Successive Tests

In 2004, Graham Thorpe was a member of the England side that won a national record eight successive Tests.

2004: Third tour of the West Indies

In 2004, Thorpe toured the West Indies for a four-Test series. He top-scored with 90 in the second Test and scored an unbeaten 119 in the next Test, earning him the man of the match award. He ended the series with 274 runs at an average of 91.33.

2006: Appointed MBE

In 2006, Thorpe was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the Birthday Honours.

2011: Ranked as second best English batsman

In 2011, David Gower ranked Thorpe as the second best English batsman from those he had either played with or commentated on, highlighting his versatility and ability to play Muralitharan.