The cricketing world was left in mourning following the tragic passing of former England batsman and coach Graham Thorpe.
A gritty left-hander and revered figure in the dressing room, Thorpe died earlier this year after a long, private battle with mental health. His death has shaken teammates, colleagues, and fans alike – a stark reminder of the silent struggles many face beyond the boundary rope.
Nasser Hussain, Thorpe’s long-time friend and former England captain, has now penned an emotional tribute, reflecting on their bond, Thorpe’s contribution to English cricket, and the deep sadness surrounding his final years.
When Hussain received a call from Rob Key, he somehow sensed what was coming. The news still landed with a heavy blow – Graham Thorpe was gone.
At the time, Hussain was with his family in Richmond, North Yorkshire. His immediate thoughts went to Thorpe’s loved ones – wife Amanda, their children, and his father Geoff.
Turning on the TV a few days later, he saw Mark Butcher and Dominic Cork, both visibly emotional, struggling to hold back tears on Sky Sports. That moment brought home the depth of affection Thorpe inspired within the game — not just as a player, but as a person.
“A Day for Thorpey” at The Oval
Surrey County Cricket Club, where Thorpe spent the bulk of his career, is dedicating the second day of the Oval Test to his memory. It’s being called “A Day for Thorpey” — a tribute fitting for a man who gave so much to the club and country.
England will honour him during the final Test against India, with special moments planned throughout the day.
Last year, after Thorpe’s funeral, Hussain met Geoff for the first time in three decades. Their emotional reunion took him back to tours gone by, beers shared, and memories etched into the fabric of their playing days.
But the events that followed Thorpe’s playing career tell a more painful story. An inquest revealed the extent of his mental health struggles — the collapse in medical care, and Amanda having to navigate heartbreaking conversations about him ending his life.
“It was a reminder of how much of a part mental illness plays in sport and how even the toughest characters are not immune,” Hussain wrote.
Thorpe was widely seen as the emotional anchor of the team. Whenever pressure mounted, teammates turned to him.
His philosophy? “Don’t get too up, don’t get too down.” Whether he was racking up centuries or ducking out early, his temperament remained steady.
But as his career wound down, his ability to compartmentalise began to fade. When things were unstable at home, the impact spilled onto the field. Touring became difficult. Australia, in particular, became too much to handle.
“Your brain is like a muscle. It can get injured just like any other,” Hussain reflected.
The Ashes Fallout
One of the incidents that left a deep scar came during the 2020-21 Ashes tour. A video surfaced showing Thorpe smoking a cigar after a tough series.
Had England won, it might have been chalked up as celebratory. But amid a series defeat, it became a flashpoint — a moment that marked the unceremonious end to his England coaching stint.
It hurt him deeply. After years of giving everything to English cricket, the backlash felt brutal. And when his role ended, a void opened — one that so many former athletes struggle with.
Hussain wonders if anyone truly understood how to help. Amanda, their children, and close friend Jeff Banks tried tirelessly to get Thorpe the support he needed. But he began to shut himself away.
Even close friends were at a loss. Hussain sent WhatsApp messages that rarely got replies. The Sky Sports commentary team — Mark Butcher, Dominic Cork, Michael Atherton, Ian Ward — all reached out in their own way. But none truly knew what to say, or how to say it.
“There literally wasn’t a day went by… where I didn’t think, ‘shall I send him a message?’”
Brotherhood Beyond the Game
The bond between Thorpe and his teammates ran deep. The so-called “Bratpack” — Hussain, Thorpe, Cork, and Mark Ramprakash — were inseparable on tour. In those days, international cricket was relentless, leaving little time for any other friendships. They became family.
There’s a certain kind of mate, forged in adversity, who never leaves your heart. That was Thorpe.
While the cricketing world mourns, it’s Amanda, Geoff, and Jeff who live with the daily weight of his absence. Their loss is far greater than any sporting tribute can reflect.
On Thursday morning, Hussain felt his emotions stir again as Joe Root walked out wearing a GT headband — a subtle yet powerful tribute. Thorpe admired Root and Ben Stokes, not just for their talent, but for their strength of character.
“Being a lover not only of ability but character,” Hussain added.
On Friday lunchtime, Sky Sports will air a special tribute — replaying Thorpe’s unforgettable century against South Africa in 2003. For fans, it will be a chance to remember his silky pull shot, that FILA headband celebration, and the class that defined him.
And though the occasion is tinged with sadness, there will be joy in remembering a man who meant so much to so many.
The day is about more than just memories. It also aims to raise vital funds for Mind, the mental health charity. Amanda’s hope is that Thorpe’s story can spark support for others suffering in silence.
Cricket has increasingly embraced mental health awareness, with initiatives honouring figures like Bob Willis and Ruth Strauss. Now, Graham Thorpe’s legacy adds to that mission — not just as a player, but as a symbol of strength and vulnerability.
In celebrating his life, we’re reminded that even heroes can struggle. And in remembering him, we find both sorrow and strength.
