Graham Thorpe dies aged 55 as tributes to England cricket icon pour in

Thorpe has also worked as England's assistant and the ECB have announced his death, saying there are 'no words to describe the deep shock' felt within the organisation.

A statement from the ECB said: "It is with great sadness that we share the news that Graham Thorpe, MBE, has passed away," they said.

"There seem to be no appropriate words to describe the deep shock we feel at Graham’s death.

"More than one of England’s finest-ever batters, he was a beloved member of the cricket family and revered by fans all over the world.

"His skill was unquestioned, and his abilities and achievements across a 13-year international career brought so much happiness to his teammates and England and Surrey CCC supporters alike.

"Later, as a coach, he guided the best England Men’s talent to some incredible victories across all formats of the game.

"The cricket world is in mourning today.

"Our hearts go out to his wife Amanda, his children, father Geoff, and all of his family and friends during this unimaginably difficult time.

"We will always remember Graham for his extraordinary contributions to the sport."

Surrey, who Thorpe played his club career for, said: "It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of Surrey and England legend Graham Thorpe, MBE."

Oli Slipper, Chair at Surrey CCC said: “Graham is one of the great sons of Surrey and there is an overwhelming sadness that he will not walk through the gates of the Oval again. 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.”

Thorpe retired from cricket having scored 16 centuries for England, with the batter usually featuring at either number four or five.

When batting third, no other player in English cricket history ghas scored more runs - with Thorpe securing a huge 3,373 before hanging up his bat.

Fans on X have paid tribute to the former batter, with one user saying: "Oh My God. One of my most Favourite English Cricketers. The Resilience the Class he had was simply World Class. So so sad news."

A second said: "Shocking news!! He was a gritty player. Prayers for his family."

A third said: "My favourite ever England cricketer. At time when English cricket was mostly in turmoil & even himself was going through all kinds of personal problems he was able to fight through it & be England’s most consistently resilient batter pulling England out of holes. Loved him. RIP."

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A fourth stated: "I loved Thorpey growing up. Fellow lefty. full of grace & style, but had the grit to take on the Aussie juggernaut of the 1990s.

"In an era of English mediocrity, he stood out as genuinely world class."

A fifth paid tribute to Thorpe by saying: "So so sad. Fantastic batsman, one of our best ever left handers. RIP Thorpey."

A sixth fan said: "This is very very sad news. Rest in Peace. Wonderful to watch, Graham Thorpe."

And a seventh reacted by saying: "Such sad news, what a quality and brave player he was facing some of the best bowlers the world has ever seen.

"RIP Thorpey."