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Graham Thorpe
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==Cricket career== ===Early career=== Thorpe made his first-class debut aged 18 for Surrey against [[Leicestershire County Cricket Club|Leicestershire]] in June 1988. Batting at [[batting order (cricket)|number eight]] he made scores of 15 and 16 and also claimed two wickets,<ref>{{cite web |title=Surrey v Leicestershire, The Oval, 11, 13, 14 June 1988 |url=https://www.cricketarchive.com/Surrey/Scorecards/50/50073.html |website=CricketArchive |access-date=13 November 2023}}</ref> his first wicket being that of [[David Gower]] [[Leg before wicket|lbw]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Bailey |first1=Jack |title=A notable scalp for Thorpe |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=AWNB&req_dat=1054640702C8DBC0&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F90F6F6D3B7E55F |access-date=13 November 2023 |work=The Times |via=Newsbank |url-access=subscription |date=14 June 1988}}</ref> Just a few days later Thorpe scored his maiden first-class century against [[Cambridge University cricket team|Cambridge University]],<ref>{{cite web |title=Surrey v Cambridge University, The Oval, 15, 16, 17 June 1988 |url=https://www.cricketarchive.com/Surrey/Scorecards/50/50103.html |website=CricketArchive |access-date=13 November 2023}}</ref> his unbeaten century taking 122 minutes.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Wheeler |first1=Geoffrey |title=Cowdrey's gamble is justified |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=AWNB&req_dat=1054640702C8DBC0&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F90F6FAB80819E0 |access-date=13 November 2023 |work=The Times |via=Newsbank |url-access=subscription |date=16 June 1988}}</ref> He made two further first-team appearances that season, scoring 19 against [[Derbyshire County Cricket Club|Derbyshire]] in the [[County Championship]] and 15 on his [[List A cricket|List A]] debut against [[Glamorgan County Cricket Club|Glamorgan]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Surrey v Derbyshire, The Oval, 25, 27, 28 June 1988 |url=https://www.cricketarchive.com/Surrey/Scorecards/50/50171.html |website=CricketArchive |access-date=13 November 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Glamorgan v Surrey, Ebbw Vale, 7 August 1988 |url=https://www.cricketarchive.com/Surrey/Scorecards/50/50392.html |website=CricketArchive |access-date=13 November 2023}}</ref> He established himself in the Surrey team in 1989, scoring his maiden Championship century at [[May's Bounty|Basingstoke]] against a [[Hampshire County Cricket Club|Hampshire]] attack featuring [[Malcolm Marshall]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Hampshire v Surrey, May's Bounty, Basingstoke on 7th, 8th, 9th June 1989 |url=https://www.cricketarchive.com/Surrey/Scorecards/51/51349.html |website=CricketArchive |access-date=4 April 2024}}</ref> He surpassed 1,000 runs for the season at an [[batting average (cricket)|average]] of 45,<ref name="fcseason">{{cite web |title=First-Class Batting and Fielding In Each Season by Graham Thorpe |url=https://www.cricketarchive.com/Surrey/Players/2/2092/f_Batting_by_Season.html |website=CricketArchive |access-date=13 November 2023}}</ref> which led to selection for [[England Lions cricket team|England A]] on their tour of Zimbabwe in 1989β90.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Lee |first1=Alan |title=Botham omitted as Capel emerges from the shadow |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=AWNB&req_dat=1054640702C8DBC0&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F91033B2AA72E32 |access-date=13 November 2023 |work=The Times |via=Newsbank |url-access=subscription |date=9 September 1989}}</ref> He would go on three further tours with England A.<ref name="coty"/> The 1990 season broke records for high scoring,<ref>{{cite book |last1=Wright |first1=Graeme |chapter-url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/wisdenalmanack/content/story/153145.html |chapter=Notes by the Editor |access-date=13 November 2023 |year=1991 |title=Wisden Cricketers' Almanack}}</ref> however Thorpe struggled with an average of 27 and made just three half-centuries from 18 matches, he ended the campaign playing for the second XI.<ref name="fcseason"/><ref>{{cite web |title=Second Eleven Championship Matches Played by Graham Thorpe |url=https://www.cricketarchive.com/Surrey/Players/2/2092/Second_Eleven_Championship_Matches.html |website=CricketArchive |access-date=13 November 2023}}</ref> The following season was more successful, he scored his maiden List A century against [[Lancashire County Cricket Club|Lancashire]] when opening the batting.<ref>{{cite web |title=Lancashire v Surrey, Old Trafford, 18 August 1991 |url=https://www.cricketarchive.com/Surrey/Scorecards/54/54796.html |website=CricketArchive |access-date=13 November 2023}}</ref> Towards the end of the season he had a spell of three centuries in five County Championship [[innings]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Streeton |first1=Richard |title=Thorpe sets Surrey an example |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=AWNB&req_dat=1054640702C8DBC0&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F91EECDC50545EB |access-date=13 November 2023 |work=The Times |via=Newsbank |url-access=subscription |date=12 September 1991}}</ref> He also top scored with 93 in the [[1991 NatWest Trophy|Natwest Trophy]] final although Surrey [[Result (cricket)|lost]] by four wickets to Hampshire.<ref>{{cite web |title=Hampshire v Surrey Lord's Cricket Ground, 7 September 1991 |url=https://www.cricketarchive.com/Surrey/Scorecards/54/54872.html |website=CricketArchive |access-date=13 November 2023}}</ref> He was awarded his county cap on 12 September 1991.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Streeton |first1=Richard |title=Surrey struggle in last hour |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=AWNB&req_dat=1054640702C8DBC0&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F91EECFF1402B10 |access-date=13 November 2023 |work=The Times |via=Newsbank |url-access=subscription |date=13 September 1991}}</ref> Thorpe had his most productive season of his career in 1992, amassing 1,895 runs at an average of 51.21.<ref name="fcseason"/> He was a consistent scorer recording fifties in the County Championship 13 times before finally passing three figures on 31 August.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Fairall |first1=Barrie |title=Cork adds fizz with five |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket-roundup-cork-adds-fizz-with-five-1548727.html |access-date=2 April 2024 |work=The Independent |date=1 September 1992}}</ref> He converted the innings against [[Somerset County Cricket Club|Somerset]] into a maiden double century and shared in a stand of 211 from 34 overs with [[Ali Brown]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Wheeler |first1=Geoffrey |title=Brown tears into Somerset attack |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=AWNB&req_dat=1054640702C8DBC0&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F91F54815E969C1 |access-date=13 November 2023 |work=The Times |via=Newsbank |url-access=subscription |date=2 September 1992}}</ref> ===1993=== In May 1993, Thorpe received his first senior international call-up as part of a 13-man squad for the [[Texaco Trophy]], a three-match ODI series against the [[Australian cricket team in England in 1993|touring Australians]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Lee |first1=Alan |title=England go for young blood in one-day series |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=AWNB&req_dat=1054640702C8DBC0&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F91FB1115A57188 |access-date=13 November 2023 |work=The Times |via=Newsbank |url-access=subscription |date=13 May 1993}}</ref> On 19 May, he made his ODI debut at [[Old Trafford Cricket Ground|Old Trafford]] in the first match of the series. During Australia's innings he took a catch off the bowling of fellow ODI debutant [[Andy Caddick]] and in England's run chase Thorpe, batting at number 6, made 31 in a four-run defeat,<ref>{{cite web |title=England v Australia, 1st ODI, Manchester, May 19, 1993 |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/australia-tour-of-england-and-ireland-1993-61338/england-vs-australia-1st-odi-65008/full-scorecard |website=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=13 November 2023}}</ref> ''[[Wisden Cricketers' Almanack|Wisden]]'' considered it "an intelligent innings in difficult circumstances".<ref>{{cite book |chapter-url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/wisdenalmanack/content/story/150942.html |chapter=First Texaco Trophy Match |access-date=13 November 2023 |year=1994 |title=Wisden Cricketers' Almanack}}</ref> He added scores of 36 and 22 in the rest of the series.<ref name="odisinn">{{cite web |title=Statsguru β GP Thorpe β One-Day Internationals β innings by innings list |url=https://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/player/21537.html?class=2;template=results;type=batting;view=innings |website=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=13 November 2023}}</ref> In Australia's tour match with Surrey which followed, Thorpe took his career best [[bowling figures]] of 4/40.<ref>{{cite web |title=Surrey v Australia, The Oval, May 25 β 27, 1993 |url=https://www.cricketarchive.com/Surrey/Scorecards/57/57276.html |website=CricketArchive |access-date=13 November 2023}}</ref> Thorpe was not selected for the first two [[The Ashes|Ashes]] Tests but the selectors made wholesale changes after an innings defeat in the second Test at [[Lord's]] including calling up Thorpe despite him being viewed as 'out of form' with a season average of 25.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Lee |first1=Alan |title=Selectors inject new life into England squad |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=AWNB&req_dat=1054640702C8DBC0&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F91FC1032E10EF8 |access-date=13 November 2023 |work=The Times |via=Newsbank |url-access=subscription |date=29 June 1993}}</ref><ref name="newlook">{{cite news |last1=Lee |first1=Alan |title=New-look England tell the same old story |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=AWNB&req_dat=1054640702C8DBC0&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F91FC5BB8960357 |access-date=13 November 2023 |work=The Times |via=Newsbank |url-access=subscription |date=2 July 1993}}</ref> On 1 July, Thorpe made his Test debut against Australia at [[Trent Bridge]] alongside three other debutants ([[Mark Ilott]], [[Martin McCague]] and [[Mark Lathwell]]).<ref name="tdebut">{{cite web |title=England v Australia, 3rd Test, Nottingham, July 01 β 06, 1993 |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/australia-tour-of-england-and-ireland-1993-61338/england-vs-australia-3rd-test-63611/full-scorecard |website=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=13 November 2023}}</ref> Thorpe scored 6 in the first innings before being caught at [[gully]] off a short ball from [[Merv Hughes]].<ref name="newlook"/> In England's second innings, Thorpe came to the wicket at 159/5 and shared in a 150-run sixth wicket partnership with captain [[Graham Gooch]], Thorpe ended the fourth day on 88 [[not out]] and completed his century on the final morning, finishing unbeaten on 114 as Gooch [[declaration and forfeiture|declared]]. The Test match was drawn with Thorpe named as [[Player of the Match awards (cricket)|man of the match]].<ref name="tdebut"/> By scoring a [[List of centuries scored on Test cricket debut|century on Test debut]] he became the 14th England player to achieve the feat and the first since [[Frank Hayes (cricketer)|Frank Hayes]] in 1973.<ref>{{cite news |title=Thorpe hits out to join the greats of cricket history |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=AWNB&req_dat=1054640702C8DBC0&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F91FC7363B21DDC |access-date=13 November 2023 |work=The Times |via=Newsbank |url-access=subscription |date=7 July 1993}}</ref> Thorpe made a half-century in the fifth Test at [[Edgbaston Cricket Ground|Edgbaston]]<ref name="testinn">{{cite web |title=Statsguru β GP Thorpe β Tests β innings by innings list |url=https://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/player/21537.html?class=1;template=results;type=batting;view=innings |website=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=13 November 2023}}</ref> but missed the final Test at [[The Oval]] after breaking his left thumb in a net session on the first morning of the match.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Lee |first1=Alan |title=England let slip rare chance to take control |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=AWNB&req_dat=1054640702C8DBC0&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F91FD4DE21AA25B |access-date=13 November 2023 |work=The Times |via=Newsbank |url-access=subscription |date=20 August 1993}}</ref> He ended the series with an average of 46 and was one of only two England players to reach a hundred in the series, his partnership with Gooch at Trent Bridge was England's longest of the series.<ref>{{cite book |chapter-url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/wisdenalmanack/content/story/153602.html |chapter=The Australians in England, 1993 |access-date=13 November 2023 |year=1994 |title=Wisden Cricketers' Almanack}}</ref> ===1994=== Thorpe was selected for [[English cricket team in the West Indies in 1993β94|England's tour of the West Indies]] in early 1994 and played all five Tests. He top-scored in the third Test at [[Queen's Park Oval]] with 86 before England collapsed to 46 all out in their second innings.<ref>{{cite web |title=West Indies v England, 3rd Test, Port of Spain, March 25 β 30, 1994 |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/england-tour-of-west-indies-1993-94-61748/west-indies-vs-england-3rd-test-63639/full-scorecard |website=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=13 November 2023}}</ref> In the fourth Test at [[Kensington Oval]] he scored 84, adding 150 in partnership with Surrey team-mate [[Alec Stewart]], as England won their only Test of the tour.<ref>{{cite web |title=West Indies v England, 4th Test, Bridgetown, April 08 β 13, 1994 |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/england-tour-of-west-indies-1993-94-61748/west-indies-vs-england-4th-test-63640/full-scorecard |website=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=13 November 2023}}</ref> Thorpe averaged 26.55 across the series,<ref name="testseries">{{cite web |title=Statsguru β GP Thorpe β Tests β series averages |url=https://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/player/21537.html?class=1;template=results;type=batting;view=series |website=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=13 November 2023}}</ref> with ''Wisden'' assessing: "Among the fringe batsmen Graham Thorpe made much the most progress, though he, too, had to cure technical problems before batting with authority late in the tour."<ref>{{cite book |chapter-url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/wisdenalmanack/content/story/153208.html |chapter=England in West Indies, 1993β94 |access-date=13 November 2023 |year=1995 |title=Wisden Cricketers' Almanack}}</ref> Thorpe was dropped for the [[New Zealand cricket team in England in 1994|home series]] with [[New Zealand national cricket team|New Zealand]] in 1994, new chairman of selectors [[Ray Illingworth]] made wholesale changes with only six of the West Indies touring squad retained and opted for just five specialist batsmen with a five-man bowling attack including all-rounder [[Craig White]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Lee |first1=Alan |title=Illingworth returns focus to Yorkshire |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=AWNB&req_dat=1054640702C8DBC0&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F92422462FEF530 |access-date=13 November 2023 |work=The Times |via=Newsbank |url-access=subscription |date=30 May 1994}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Johnson |first1=Martin |title=White rose in bloom for England in the first Test |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket-white-rose-in-bloom-for-england-in-the-first-test-illingworth-s-influence-as-new-chairman-of-selectors-is-apparent-with-yorkshiremen-to-the-fore-in-the-squad-to-face-new-zealand-1439552.html |access-date=2 April 2024 |work=The Independent |date=30 May 1994}}</ref> While back playing for Surrey, Thorpe made the highest List A score of his career against Lancashire in the [[1994 NatWest Trophy|NatWest Trophy]], the innings of 145 not out coming from 135 deliveries. He shared a 180-run partnership with [[David Ward (Surrey cricketer)|David Ward]] which set a county record for the competition and Surrey's total of 343 was also their highest in one-day cricket at the time.<ref>{{cite web |title=Surrey v Lancashire, 2nd Round, The Oval, July 06, 1994 |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/national-westminster-bank-trophy-1994-418952/surrey-vs-lancashire-2nd-round-418976/full-scorecard |website=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=13 November 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Fairall |first1=Barrie |title=Thorpe the wonder drug |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket-thorpe-the-wonder-drug-surrey-s-flurry-is-decisive-1412277.html |access-date=2 April 2024 |work=The Independent |date=7 July 1994}}</ref> Later that summer Thorpe was recalled by England for the second Test of the [[South African cricket team in England in 1994|series]] against [[South Africa national cricket team|South Africa]] at [[Headingley Cricket Ground|Headingley]], taking the place of an injured White.<ref name="leeds94">{{cite book |last1=Bishop |first1=John |chapter-url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/wisdenalmanack/content/story/153206.html |chapter=England v South Africa 1994, Second Cornhill Test |access-date=13 November 2023 |year=1995 |title=Wisden Cricketers' Almanack}}</ref> Thorpe, batting at number four, scored 72 from 112 balls including 13 boundaries during England's first innings, ''Wisden'' picked out "his urgency, instinctive placement and crisp driving".<ref name="leeds94"/> He added 73 in the second innings and 79 in the final Test at The Oval<ref name="testinn"/> to end the series with an average of 79.66.<ref name="testseries"/> In his series summary, [[Scyld Berry]] praised Thorpe's attacking play for enlivening England who prior to his introduction had taken a defensive approach to their batting.<ref name="SA94">{{cite book |last1=Berry |first1=Scyld |chapter-url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/wisdenalmanack/content/story/153204.html |chapter=The South Africans in England, 1994 |access-date=13 November 2023 |year=1995 |title=Wisden Cricketers' Almanack}}</ref> In the ODI series with South Africa that followed the Tests, Thorpe scored his maiden ODI half-century.<ref name="odisinn"/> Thorpe was selected for the [[English cricket team in Australia in 1994β95|1994β95 Ashes]] tour and played in all five Tests as Australia won the series 3β1. He contributed three fifties in the first four Tests including 83 in England's solitary victory at [[Adelaide Oval|Adelaide]].<ref name="testinn"/><ref>{{cite web |title=Australia v England, 4th Test, Adelaide, January 26 β 30, 1995 |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/england-tour-of-australia-1994-95-61706/australia-vs-england-4th-test-63666/full-scorecard |website=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=15 November 2023}}</ref> In the fifth Test at [[WACA Ground|Perth]] he scored his second Test century with an innings of 123 from 218 balls including 19 fours. His partnership of 158 with [[Mark Ramprakash]] recovered England's first innings from 77/4 but after Thorpe was dismissed, stumped off a [[Shane Warne]] top-spinner, they collapsed going on to lose the match by 329 runs.<ref>{{cite book |chapter-url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/wisdenalmanack/content/story/153248.html |chapter=Australia v England 1994β95, Fifth Test |access-date=15 November 2023 |year=1996 |title=Wisden Cricketers' Almanack}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Australia v England, 5th Test, Perth, February 03 β 07, 1995 |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/england-tour-of-australia-1994-95-61706/australia-vs-england-5th-test-63667/full-scorecard |website=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=15 November 2023}}</ref> Thorpe was England's leading run-scorer across the series with 444 runs at an average of 49.33.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Ashes 1994/95 β England averages |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/records/series/averages-batting-bowling-by-team/the-ashes-1994-95-353?team=1 |website=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=15 November 2023}}</ref> ''Wisden'' assessed that: "Thorpe appeared to have the temperament, as well as the technique, to be a fixture in the team for several years."<ref>{{cite book |chapter-url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/wisdenalmanack/content/story/153243.html |chapter=England in Australia, 1994β95 |access-date=15 November 2023 |year=1996 |title=Wisden Cricketers' Almanack}}</ref> In the [[1994β95 Australian Tri-Series]] scheduled during the Ashes series, he made his highest ODI score of 89 against [[Zimbabwe national cricket team|Zimbabwe]] at [[The Gabba]] however after batting for 155 minutes in 90Β°F heat he was taken to hospital with dehydration and heat exhaustion.<ref>{{cite book |chapter-url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/wisdenalmanack/content/story/153243.html |chapter=Benson & Hedges World Series Cup 1994β95, ninth match |access-date=15 November 2023 |year=1996 |title=Wisden Cricketers' Almanack}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Lee |first1=Alan |title=England gain from Thorpe's pain |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=AWNB&req_dat=1054640702C8DBC0&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F9247095A9FACEA |access-date=15 November 2023 |work=The Times |via=Newsbank |url-access=subscription |date=9 January 1995}}</ref> ===1995=== Thorpe continued his consistent scoring into the [[West Indian cricket team in England in 1995|1995 home series]] with West Indies, two fifties in the first two Tests extended his sequence of half-centuries to nine in nine Tests since being recalled the previous summer.<ref name="lords95">{{cite book |last1=Etheridge |first1=John |chapter-url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/wisdenalmanack/content/story/153248.html |chapter=England v West Indies 1995, Second Cornhill Test |access-date=15 November 2023 |year=1996 |title=Wisden Cricketers' Almanack}}</ref> During the second innings of the second Test, he was struck first ball by an unintentional [[beamer (cricket)|beamer]] from [[Courtney Walsh]] and spent the night at [[St Mary's Hospital, London|St Mary's Hospital]] but returned the following day to make 42.<ref name="lords95"/><ref>{{cite web |title=England v West Indies, 2nd Test, Lord's, June 22 β 26, 1995 |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/west-indies-tour-of-england-1995-61884/england-vs-west-indies-2nd-test-63685/full-scorecard |website=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=15 November 2023}}</ref> Thorpe's highest score of the series, 94, came in the fourth Test at Old Trafford where England won by six wickets to level the series at 2β2.<ref name="testinn"/><ref>{{cite web |title=England v West Indies, 4th Test, Manchester, July 27 β 30, 1995 |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/west-indies-tour-of-england-1995-61884/england-vs-west-indies-4th-test-63687/full-scorecard |website=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=15 November 2023}}</ref> Two further fifties saw him end the six-match series as England's leading run-scorer with 506 at 42.16.<ref name="testseries"/> He became the first England player to surpass 500 runs against the West Indies in a home series.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Cozier |first1=Tony |chapter-url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/wisdenalmanack/content/story/153238.html |chapter=The West Indians in England, 1995 |access-date=15 November 2023 |year=1996 |title=Wisden Cricketers' Almanack}}</ref> During the [[English cricket team in South Africa in 1995β96|tour to South Africa in 1995β96]], Thorpe struggled across the Test series making a total of 184 runs at 26.28.<ref name="testseries"/> His highest score, and only half-century, came in the deciding Test at [[Newlands Cricket Ground|Newlands]] where he was dismissed run out for 59 in controversial fashion. The umpire [[Dave Orchard]] had originally adjudged him to be not out before South African captain [[Hansie Cronje]] persuaded Orchard to get the [[third umpire]] to check the TV replays which did show Thorpe to be out. Cronje was fined half his match fee for dissent but England went on lose the match and with it the series.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Engel |first1=Matthew |chapter-url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/wisdenalmanack/content/story/153543.html |chapter=South Africa v England, Fifth Test Match |access-date=15 November 2023 |year=1997 |title=Wisden Cricketers' Almanack}}</ref> Thorpe had a better ODI series, scoring three half-centuries from six matches and was England's highest scorer.<ref name="odisinn"/><ref>{{cite web |title= England in South Africa ODI Series 1995/96 β England averages |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/records/series/averages-batting-bowling-by-team/england-in-south-africa-odi-series-1995-96-720?team=1 |website=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=15 November 2023}}</ref> Thorpe was selected for the [[1996 Cricket World Cup|1996 World Cup]] and played in all six of England's matches. During the group game with [[Netherlands national cricket team|Netherlands]], he scored 89 from 82 balls, equalling his highest ODI score. He also contributed an unbeaten half-century against Pakistan.<ref name="odisinn"/> In what was a disappointing tournament for England, beaten by all four Test-playing nations they played, he was their leading scorer with 254 at an average of 63.50.<ref>{{cite web |title=Wills World Cup, 1995/96 β England averages |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/records/tournament/averages-batting-bowling-by-team/wills-world-cup-1995-96-722?team=1 |website=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=15 November 2023}}</ref> ===1996=== England began the 1996 season with an ODI series against [[India national cricket team|India]], Thorpe was named man of the match in the second ODI at Headingley as he led England to a six-wicket victory with an unbeaten 79.<ref>{{cite web |title=England v India, 2nd ODI, Leeds, May 25, 1996 |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/india-tour-of-england-1996-62278/england-vs-india-2nd-odi-65018/full-scorecard |website=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=17 November 2023}}</ref> In the following match at Old Trafford, Thorpe took the wickets of [[Vikram Rathour]] and [[Sourav Ganguly]], these would be his only wickets at international level.<ref>{{cite web |title=Statsguru β GP Thorpe β All Test/ODI/T20I β List of wickets |url=https://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/player/21537.html?class=11;template=results;type=bowling;view=dismissal_list |website=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=17 November 2023}}</ref> Across the subsequent Test series with India, Thorpe scored 193 runs at 48.25 with a highest score of 89.<ref name="testseries"/> Pakistan were the second [[Pakistani cricket team in England in 1996|touring side]] of the summer with the Test series starting at Lord's. In England's first innings Thorpe top scored with 77, however there was criticism of his increasing failure to convert his innings into centuries this being his 19th score of more than 50 in Test cricket of which only twice he had reached a hundred.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Lee |first1=Alan |title=Atherton summons spirit of Johannesburg |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=AWNB&req_dat=1054640702C8DBC0&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F924A1662F990A1 |access-date=17 November 2023 |work=The Times |via=Newsbank |url-access=subscription |date=29 July 1996}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=O'Hagan |first1=Simon |title=Saeed has England on the run β First Test |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/saeed-has-england-on-the-run-1330912.html |access-date=2 April 2024 |work=The Independent |date=29 July 1996}}</ref> England lost the Lord's Test and again at the Oval where Thorpe had added another fifty to end the Test series with 159 runs at 31.80.<ref name="testseries"/> In county cricket, Thorpe had a strong season with six centuries, including five in his nine County Championship matches.<ref>{{cite web |title=County Championship 1996 β Surrey averages |url=https://static.espncricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/1996/ENG_LOCAL/STATS/CC-STATS/SURREY_CC_1996_AVS.html |website=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=17 November 2023}}</ref> He was the first English player to pass 1,000 runs for the season,<ref>{{cite news |title=Durham pitch reported to Lord's again |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/durham-pitch-reported-to-lord-s-again-1339195.html |access-date=2 April 2024 |work=The Independent |date=28 June 1996}}</ref> and ended the campaign with an average of 62.76 in all first-class cricket.<ref name="fcseason"/> He also made seven appearances for Surrey as they won the [[1996 Axa Equity & Law League|Sunday League]], the county's first trophy in 14 years.<ref>{{cite web |title=Sunday League 1996 β Surrey averages |url=https://static.espncricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/1996/ENG_LOCAL/STATS/CC-STATS/SURREY_CC_1996_AVS.html |website=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=17 November 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Lee |first1=Alan |title=Sunday trophy ends Oval drought |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=AWNB&req_dat=1054640702C8DBC0&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F924A4D443A09F6 |access-date=17 November 2023 |work=The Times |via=Newsbank |url-access=subscription |date=16 September 1996}}</ref> England [[English cricket team in Zimbabwe in 1996β97|toured Zimbabwe]] at the end of 1996 to play their first Test series against the nation. Thorpe was in poor form on the tour with ''Wisden'' describing him in the first Test as "horribly out-of-touch".<ref>{{cite book |chapter-url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/wisdenalmanack/content/story/153302.html |chapter=Zimbabwe v England, First Test Match |access-date=17 November 2023 |year=1998 |title=Wisden Cricketers' Almanack}}</ref> He was able to score 50 not out in the second Test before final day rain cut the match short.<ref>{{cite web |title=Zimbabwe v England, 2nd Test, Harare, December 26 β 30, 1996 |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/england-tour-of-zimbabwe-1996-97-61741/zimbabwe-vs-england-2nd-test-63735/full-scorecard |website=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=18 November 2023}}</ref> ===1997=== At the end of the Zimbabwe tour in 1996β97, England travelled on to New Zealand. In the first Test at [[Eden Park|Auckland]], Thorpe was struck by a bouncer from [[Chris Cairns]] and been at fault for a run out of [[John Crawley]] before going on to make 119, ending his wait for a third Test century.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Lee |first1=Alan |title=Settled Stewart keeps confounding the critics |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=AWNB&req_dat=1054640702C8DBC0&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F924B9497C9D61F |access-date=20 November 2023 |work=The Times |via=Newsbank |url-access=subscription |date=27 January 1997}}</ref> He made it consecutive hundreds at [[Basin Reserve|Wellington]] as he scored 108, sharing century partnerships with [[Nasser Hussain]] and Crawley in the process.<ref>{{cite book |chapter-url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/wisdenalmanack/content/story/153305.html |chapter=New Zealand v England, Second Test Match |access-date=25 November 2023 |year=1998 |title=Wisden Cricketers' Almanack}}</ref> Australia toured England in 1997 and ahead of the Ashes played three ODIs. England won all three matches with six wickets being the margin of victory on each occasion, Thorpe was unbeaten in the first and third match run chases with scores of 75 and 45.<ref name="odisinn"/> The first Test of the Ashes took place at Edgbaston, England dismissed Australia for 118 and were 50/3 in reply when Thorpe joined Hussain at the crease. The pair batted through to the close adding 150 in 169 minutes with ''Wisden'' stating that Thorpe's "cutting and sweeping of Warne were crucial in seizing the initiative".<ref name="edgbaston97">{{cite book |last1=Etheridge |first1=John |chapter-url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/wisdenalmanack/content/story/153296.html |chapter=England v Australia, First Cornhill Test |access-date=21 November 2023 |year=1998 |title=Wisden Cricketers' Almanack}}</ref> On the second morning Thorpe reached his third Test century in four Tests as the stand contributed a further 135 in the pre-lunch session.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Lee |first1=Alan |title=Hussain prolongs Australia's agony |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=AWNB&req_dat=1054640702C8DBC0&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F924C2EF7EB689D |access-date=21 November 2023 |work=The Times |via=Newsbank |url-access=subscription |date=7 June 1997}}</ref> He was dismissed to [[Glenn McGrath]]'s first ball after lunch for 138, a Test best score at the time.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Pringle |first1=Derek |title=Hussain the hammer of the Aussies |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket-hussain-the-hammer-of-the-aussies-1254679.html |access-date=2 April 2024 |work=The Independent |date=6 June 1997}}</ref> The partnership of 288 with Hussain was the highest for England against Australia for the fourth wicket.<ref name="edgbaston97"/> England won the match by nine wickets but Australia fought back by dismissing England for 77 in the drawn second Test and winning the third comfortably. In the fourth Test at Headingley, Australia were 50/3 in their first innings when Thorpe dropped a routine [[fielding (cricket)|first slip]] catch from [[Matthew Elliott (cricketer)|Matthew Elliott]] off the bowling of debutant [[Mike Smith (cricketer, born 1967)|Mike Smith]]. Smith would never take a Test wicket while Elliott, who was on 29 at the time, would go on to score 199 as Australia won the match by an innings. Having failed to pass 30 in six innings since the first Test there were calls for Thorpe to lose his place in the team,<ref name="coty"/><ref>{{cite news |last1=Lee |first1=Alan |title=England debate centres on Thorpe |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=AWNB&req_dat=1054640702C8DBC0&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F924C73A5777B38 |access-date=24 November 2023 |work=The Times |via=Newsbank |url-access=subscription |date=2 August 1997}}</ref> but he was retained by the selectors. In the fifth Test he scored 53 and 82 not out,<ref name="testinn"/> the latter innings played as wickets were falling at the other end with six of his partners contributing just 14 whilst he added 68.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Johnson |first1=Peter |chapter-url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/wisdenalmanack/content/story/153300.html |chapter=England v Australia, Fifth Cornhill Test |access-date=24 November 2023 |year=1998 |title=Wisden Cricketers' Almanack}}</ref> Australia won the series by winning the match but England were victorious the sixth Test at The Oval. In a low-scoring match, Thorpe made the only half-century of the game with ''Wisden'' describing it as "an innings of exceptional quality and tenacity".<ref>{{cite book |last1=Engel |first1=Matthew |chapter-url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/wisdenalmanack/content/story/153301.html |chapter=England v Australia, Sixth Cornhill Test |access-date=24 November 2023 |year=1998 |title=Wisden Cricketers' Almanack}}</ref> He ended the series as England's top run-scorer with 453 at 50.33,<ref>{{cite web |title=The Ashes 1997 β England averages |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/records/series/averages-batting-bowling-by-team/the-ashes-1997-386?team=1 |website=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=24 November 2023}}</ref> and was chosen as their player of the series.<ref>{{cite web |title=England v Australia, 6th Test, The Oval, August 21 β 23, 1997 |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/australia-tour-of-england-and-scotland-1997-61346/england-vs-australia-6th-test-63759/full-scorecard |website=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=24 November 2023}}</ref> Thorpe ended the season with a double-century for Surrey against County Championship leaders Glamorgan, batting for 438 minutes in making a then career best score of 222.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Wilde |first1=Simon |title=Glamorgan give up the chase |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=AWNB&req_dat=1054640702C8DBC0&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F924C991F34AF4D |access-date=24 November 2023 |work=The Times |via=Newsbank |url-access=subscription |date=6 September 1997}}</ref> Earlier in the campaign he featured in Surrey's [[1997 Benson & Hedges Cup|Benson & Hedges Cup]] victory over [[Kent County Cricket Club|Kent]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Kent v Surrey, Lord's, 12 July 1997 |url=https://www.cricketarchive.com/Surrey/Scorecards/64/64295.html |website=CricketArchive |access-date=24 November 2023}}</ref> For his performances during the [[1997 English cricket season]] he was selected as one of the [[Wisden Cricketers of the Year]] in its 1998 edition of the ''[[Wisden Cricketers' Almanack|Almanack]]''.<ref name="coty"/> In December 1997, England won a four-team [[1997β98 Singer Akai Champions Trophy|ODI tournament]] in [[Sharjah Cricket Stadium|Sharjah]], Thorpe was named man of the match in the final after he scored an unbeaten 66 to guide England to a three-wicket victory over the West Indies.<ref>{{cite web |title=England v West Indies, Final (D/N), Sharjah, December 19, 1997 |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/akai-singer-champions-trophy-1997-98-61016/england-vs-west-indies-final-65879/match-news |website=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=24 November 2023}}</ref> ===1998=== England's tour of West Indies in early 1998 began dramatically as the first Test was abandoned after an hour due to a dangerous pitch. The uneven bounce led to several batsmen being struck including Thorpe who was hit twice during his 10-ball innings, play was ended after the second such blow. The West Indies won two of the next three Tests with Thorpe only managing 111 runs across those matches.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Lee |first1=Alan |title=Atherton predicts a return to full productivity |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=AWNB&req_dat=1054640702C8DBC0&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F924FBAB132C7BA |access-date=27 November 2023 |work=The Times |via=Newsbank |url-access=subscription |date=6 March 1998}}</ref> On the first day of the fifth Test, he [[Retired (cricket)|retired hurt]] at lunch due to back spasms with England at 55/4. After a painkilling injection he was able to return to the crease at the fall of the next wicket and batting alongside [[Mark Ramprakash]] ended the day unbeaten on 50.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Lee |first1=Alan |title=Ramprakash rescues England |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=AWNB&req_dat=1054640702C8DBC0&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F924FFAC0F2AF60 |access-date=28 November 2023 |work=The Times |via=Newsbank |url-access=subscription |date=13 March 1998}}</ref> The following day Thorpe reached his sixth Test century, dismissed for 103 having batted for 395 minutes and shared in a 205-run sixth wicket partnership with Ramprakash.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Lee |first1=Alan |title=Ramprakash ends wait for fulfilment |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=AWNB&req_dat=1054640702C8DBC0&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F9250079183CAB1 |access-date=28 November 2023 |work=The Times |via=Newsbank |url-access=subscription |date=14 March 1998}}</ref> In setting up a second innings declaration Thorpe added 36 off 35 balls which included three pulled fours in a single [[Curtly Ambrose]] over, however final day rain denied England a chance of squaring the series.<ref>{{cite web |title=West Indies v England, 5th Test, Bridgetown, March 12 β 16, 1998 |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/england-tour-of-west-indies-1997-98-61751/west-indies-vs-england-5th-test-63787/full-scorecard |website=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=28 November 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |chapter-url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/wisdenalmanack/content/story/153349.html |chapter=West Indies v England, Fifth Test Match |access-date=28 November 2023 |year=1999 |title=Wisden Cricketers' Almanack}}</ref> He was reprimanded for dissent by the [[match referee]] in the final Test following his first innings dismissal. Thorpe remained at the wicket for too long on being given out lbw, replays did show Thorpe had got an inside edge on the ball.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Otway |first1=Graham |title=Thorpe given reprimand |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=AWNB&req_dat=1054640702C8DBC0&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F92A52D44D0A1F4 |access-date=28 November 2023 |work=The Sunday Times |via=Newsbank |url-access=subscription |date=22 March 1998}}</ref> In the second innings and facing a large deficit, Thorpe and Hussain put on a partnership of 168 in attempting to draw the match, however the run out of Hussain prompted a collapse of seven wickets for 26 runs as England succumbed to an innings defeat. Thorpe was left 84 not out having faced 322 balls.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Lee |first1=Alan |title=Ruthless Walsh has final say as run-out prompts collapse |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=AWNB&req_dat=1054640702C8DBC0&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F9250866A7CDD64 |access-date=28 November 2023 |work=The Times |via=Newsbank |url-access=subscription |date=25 March 1998}}</ref> His series tally was 339 runs at 42.37.<ref name="testseries"/> Thorpe played in the first game of the subsequent ODI series before returning home early from the tour due to the back injury sustained in the fifth Test.<ref>{{cite news |title=Bad back forces Thorpe home |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket-bad-back-forces-thorpe-home-1154018.html |access-date=2 April 2024 |work=The Independent |date=2 April 1998}}</ref> Thorpe was named in England's ODI squad for the home series with South Africa but suffered a reoccurrence of the back injury in a practise session and missed all three matches.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Lee |first1=Alan |title=Hollioake puts on his thinking cap |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=AWNB&req_dat=1054640702C8DBC0&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F925285665C1C83 |access-date=29 November 2023 |work=The Times |via=Newsbank |url-access=subscription |date=21 May 1998}}</ref> To prove his fitness ahead of the Test series he played a County Championship match against Kent and took six catches in their first innings, one short of the first-class record for a fielder.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Collis |first1=John |title=Kent caught out as Thorpe fights back |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket-kent-caught-out-as-thorpe-fights-back-1156326.html |access-date=8 April 2024 |work=The Independent |date=31 May 1998}}</ref> Across the first two Tests he scored 63 runs,<ref name="testinn"/> before his back injury flared up during the Old Trafford Test. He was moved down the order to number eight in the first innings but managed only a six-ball duck.<ref>{{cite web |title=England v South Africa, 3rd Test, Manchester, July 02 β 06, 1998 |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/south-africa-tour-of-england-1998-61818/england-vs-south-africa-3rd-test-63806/full-scorecard |website=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=29 November 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Wilde |first1=Simon |title=England stumble towards disaster |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=AWNB&req_dat=1054640702C8DBC0&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F92A4DC6D724D9F |access-date=29 November 2023 |work=The Sunday Times |via=Newsbank |url-access=subscription |date=5 July 1998}}</ref> He lasted just three balls in the second innings as he completed the only [[Duck (cricket)#Pair|pair]] of his Test career.<ref name="testinn"/> The injury meant he was not selected for the fourth Test bringing an end to his run of 44 consecutive Test appearances.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Wilde |first1=Simon |title=Stage set for Hick to deliver |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=AWNB&req_dat=1054640702C8DBC0&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F92A4D131596105 |access-date=29 November 2023 |work=The Sunday Times |via=Newsbank |url-access=subscription |date=19 July 1998}}</ref> After an operation to remove a cyst from his lower back,<ref>{{cite news |title=Graham Thorpe |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=AWNB&req_dat=1054640702C8DBC0&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F9254C669D7754E |access-date=29 November 2023 |work=The Times |via=Newsbank |url-access=subscription |date=29 July 1998}}</ref> he returned to cricket for Surrey's final match of the season against Leicestershire.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Hobson |first1=Richard |title=Surrey face testing times as leaders aim to prove point |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=AWNB&req_dat=1054640702C8DBC0&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F9256196E4FF96E |access-date=30 November 2023 |work=The Times |via=Newsbank |url-access=subscription |date=17 September 1998}}</ref> Thorpe was included in England's 17-man squad for the [[English cricket team in Australia in 1998β99|1998β99 Ashes series]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Pringle |first1=Derek |title=Crawley creeps into final berth |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket-crawley-creeps-into-final-berth-1195522.html |access-date=2 April 2024 |work=The Independent |date=2 September 1998}}</ref> He began the tour well by scoring a career-best 223 not out in a warm-up match against [[South Australia cricket team|South Australia]], putting together an unbroken partnership of 377 with Ramprakash which broke the record for highest stand by an overseas team in Australia.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Lee |first1=Alan |title=Impressive England batter way to record |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=AWNB&req_dat=1054640702C8DBC0&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F9257B740ADF911 |access-date=30 November 2023 |work=The Times |via=Newsbank |url-access=subscription |date=11 November 1998}}</ref> In the first Test he scored 77 but his back problem resurfaced and he missed the second Test.<ref>{{cite book |chapter-url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/wisdenalmanack/content/story/153243.html |chapter=England in Australia, 1998β99 |access-date=30 November 2023 |year=2000 |title=Wisden Cricketers' Almanack}}</ref> He suffered more back pain while batting in the tour game against [[Victoria cricket team|Victoria]] which forced an end to his tour.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Pringle |first1=Derek |title=Thorpe back in back trouble |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket-thorpe-back-in-back-trouble-1190098.html |access-date=2 April 2024 |work=The Independent |date=8 December 1998}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Lee |first1=Alan |title=Thorpe bows to inevitable |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=AWNB&req_dat=1054640702C8DBC0&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F9258B96713C987 |access-date=30 November 2023 |work=The Times |via=Newsbank |url-access=subscription |date=9 December 1998}}</ref> ===1999=== Thorpe was selected in the squad for the [[1999 Cricket World Cup|1999 World Cup]] staged in England and proved his fitness in the build-up by scoring two ODI fifties in two days during the [[1998β99 Coca-Cola Cup|Sharjah triangular tournament]].<ref>{{cite book |chapter-url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/wisdenalmanack/content/story/151620.html |chapter=England v Pakistan, Coca-Cola Cup 1998β99, fifth match |access-date=1 December 2023 |year=2000 |title=Wisden Cricketers' Almanack}}</ref> Despite home advantage at the World Cup England failed to progress out of the group stage. Thorpe top scored in their win over Zimbabwe,<ref>{{cite web |title=England v Zimbabwe, 19th Match, Nottingham, May 25, 1999 |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/icc-world-cup-1999-61046/england-vs-zimbabwe-19th-match-65211/full-scorecard |website=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=1 December 2023}}</ref> however defeat to South Africa and other results meant they had to beat India to progress. In the decisive match Thorpe scored 36 before receiving a contentious lbw decision from [[Javed Akhtar (cricketer)|Javed Akhtar]], England going on to lose by 63 runs.<ref>{{cite book |chapter-url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/wisdenalmanack/content/story/151500.html |chapter=England v India, World Cup 1999, fourteenth group A match |access-date=1 December 2023 |year=2000 |title=Wisden Cricketers' Almanack}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=England v India, 25th Match, Birmingham, May 29 β 30, 1999 |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/icc-world-cup-1999-61046/england-vs-india-25th-match-65217/live-cricket-score |website=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=1 December 2023}}</ref> Thorpe returned to the Test team for the four-match series with New Zealand. At the end of the first Test he was jeered by the crowd and received criticism for denying [[nightwatchman (cricket)|nightwatchman]] [[Alex Tudor]] the chance to score a century.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Holden |first1=Jim |chapter-url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/wisdenalmanack/content/story/153393.html |chapter=England v New Zealand 1999, First Cornhill Test |access-date=1 December 2023 |year=2000 |title=Wisden Cricketers' Almanack}}</ref> Tudor was on 84 as Thorpe arrived at the crease but by outscoring him Tudor was left 99 not out when England reached their target.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Wilde |first1=Simon |title=Tudor reigns for rampant England |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=AWNB&req_dat=1054640702C8DBC0&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F92A7326C0D5A74 |access-date=1 December 2023 |work=The Sunday Times |via=Newsbank |url-access=subscription |date=4 July 1999}}</ref> During the second Test, captain Hussain broke a finger while fielding and left Thorpe to deputise in his place. England lost the match convincingly by nine wickets after which [[Mark Butcher]] was chosen as stand-in captain for the next Test.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Briggs |first1=Simon |chapter-url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/wisdenalmanack/content/story/153392.html |chapter=The New Zealanders in England, 1999 |access-date=20 December 2023 |year=2000 |title=Wisden Cricketers' Almanack}}</ref> Thorpe finished the series with 147 runs at 24.50,<ref name="testseries"/> his highest score of 44 came in the defeat at The Oval which saw England lose the series and drop to the bottom of the ''Wisden World Championship''.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Chevallier |first1=Hugh |chapter-url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/wisdenalmanack/content/story/153396.html |chapter=England v New Zealand 1999, Fourth Cornhill Test |access-date=1 December 2023 |year=2000 |title=Wisden Cricketers' Almanack}}</ref> In a difficult international summer, Thorpe did enjoy success with Surrey, making nine appearances as they won the [[1999 County Championship|County Championship]] title for the first time since 1971.<ref>{{cite web |title=Batting and Fielding for Surrey in 1999 County Championship |url=https://www.cricketarchive.com/Surrey/Seasons/Seasonal_Averages/1999_f_Championship_Batting_by_Player.html |website=CricketArchive |access-date=4 January 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Martin-Jenkins |first1=Christopher |title=Superiority of Surrey has echoes of past |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=AWGLNB&req_dat=1054640702C8DBC0&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F92990E14CA5046 |access-date=4 January 2024 |work=The Times |via=Newsbank |url-access=subscription |date=3 September 1999}}</ref> Thorpe opted out of the winter tour of South Africa citing family reasons having been on England tours, including those with England A, for the previous 10 years.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Wilde |first1=Simon |title=Family man Thorpe pulls out of South African tour |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=AWGLNB&req_dat=1054640702C8DBC0&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F92A70A87E86B82 |access-date=20 December 2023 |work=The Sunday Times |via=Newsbank |url-access=subscription |date=22 August 1999}}</ref> ===2000=== After missing the South Africa series Thorpe was omitted from the first set of central contracts awarded by the [[England Cricket Board|ECB]] for the 2000 English summer.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Martin-Jenkins |first1=Christopher |title=Thorpe contracted out by England |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=AWGLNB&req_dat=1054640702C8DBC0&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F929B297285F757 |access-date=4 January 2024 |work=The Times |via=Newsbank |url-access=subscription |date=2 March 2000}}</ref> Thorpe struggled for form at the start of the season while playing for Surrey, making 112 runs in nine innings before scoring a century against Somerset in mid-June.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Gibson |first1=Pat |title=Thorpe regains former fluency |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=AWGLNB&req_dat=1054640702C8DBC0&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F929BD79D99A289 |access-date=4 January 2024 |work=The Times |via=Newsbank |url-access=subscription |date=15 June 2000}}</ref> He was recalled by England firstly for the ODI squad to play in the [[2000 NatWest Triangular Series|Triangular Series]] and following that to the Test squad for the third match of the [[West Indian cricket team in England in 2000|West Indies series]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Martin-Jenkins |first1=Christopher |title=Franks has West Indies in his sights |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=AWGLNB&req_dat=1054640702C8DBC0&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F929BE39FF8BC27 |access-date=4 January 2024 |work=The Times |via=Newsbank |url-access=subscription |date=21 June 2000}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Hobson |first1=Richard |title=Fletcher rests his case for fit and refreshed England |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=AWGLNB&req_dat=1054640702C8DBC0&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F929C1CBB77F598 |access-date=4 January 2024 |work=The Times |via=Newsbank |url-access=subscription |date=25 July 2000}}</ref> His return to Test cricket after 11 months began inauspiciously as he was dismissed lbw from the first delivery he faced, a [[slower ball]] from Courtney Walsh that Thorpe lost sight of and ducked into.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Hobson |first1=Richard |title=Thorpe provides comedy in Walsh's variety show |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=AWGLNB&req_dat=1054640702C8DBC0&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F929C3793121AF4 |access-date=9 January 2024 |work=The Times |via=Newsbank |url-access=subscription |date=5 August 2000}}</ref> He contributed scores of 46 and 40 as England won the next two Tests,<ref name="testinn"/> the latter innings was again ended by a Walsh slower ball.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Pringle |first1=Derek |title=Ambrose and Walsh expose old failings |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/ambrose-and-walsh-expose-old-failings-700140.html |access-date=2 April 2024 |work=The Independent |date=2 September 2000}}</ref> The [[English cricket team in Pakistan in 2000β01|tour of Pakistan]] in late 2000 began with England successfully chasing over 300 in an ODI for the first time as they won their opening match, Thorpe scored an unbeaten 64 in putting on 138 in 17 overs with [[Andrew Flintoff]].<ref>{{cite book |chapter-url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/wisdenalmanack/content/story/153719.html |chapter=Pakistan v England 2000β2001, First One-Day International |access-date=9 January 2024 |year=2002 |title=Wisden Cricketers' Almanack}}</ref> In the first Test at [[Gaddafi Stadium|Lahore]], Thorpe batted for over seven hours to score 118, the innings contained just two boundaries and only one of which was struck before he reached a hundred making it the record for fewest boundaries in a Test century.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Martin-Jenkins |first1=Christopher |title=Thorpe's marathon has Pakistan on the run |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=AWGLNB&req_dat=1054640702C8DBC0&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F929CC463DA7ABE |access-date=9 January 2024 |work=The Times |via=Newsbank |url-access=subscription |date=2 March 2000}}</ref> He added 166 in partnership with Craig White, breaking a sixth-wicket record for England-Pakistan contests.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Wright |first1=Graeme |chapter-url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/wisdenalmanack/content/story/153722.html |chapter=Pakistan v England 2000β2001, First Test Match |access-date=9 January 2024 |year=2002 |title=Wisden Cricketers' Almanack}}</ref> The match was drawn as was the second Test where Thorpe's stay at the crease lasted 323 minutes as he made 79.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Etheridge |first1=John |chapter-url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/wisdenalmanack/content/story/153723.html |chapter=Pakistan v England 2000β2001, Second Test Match |access-date=9 January 2024 |year=2002 |title=Wisden Cricketers' Almanack}}</ref> A collapse from the hosts in the third Test at [[National Stadium, Karachi|Karachi]] left England a target of 176 in 44 overs, Thorpe scored an unbeaten 64 to see them to victory, completing the run chase in near darkness due to Pakistan's slow over-rate.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Hasan |first1=Samiul |chapter-url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/wisdenalmanack/content/story/153724.html |chapter=Pakistan v England 2000β2001, Third Test Match |access-date=9 January 2024 |year=2002 |title=Wisden Cricketers' Almanack}}</ref> His series aggregate was 284 runs at 56.80,<ref name="testseries"/> ''Wisden'' praised his performance picking out his "judgment of line and length, limitless patience and mental strength".<ref>{{cite book |last1=Etheridge |first1=John |chapter-url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/wisdenalmanack/content/story/153717.html |chapter=England in Pakistan, 2000β2001 |access-date=10 January 2024 |year=2002 |title=Wisden Cricketers' Almanack}}</ref> ===2001=== England's second [[English cricket team in Sri Lanka in 2000β01|tour]] of the winter took them to Sri Lanka where the hosts dominated the first Test winning by an innings. Thorpe made contributions of 59 and 46 as England won the second Test in a match overshadowed by poor umpiring decisions.<ref name="testinn"/><ref>{{cite book |chapter-url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/wisdenalmanack/content/story/154221.html |chapter=Sri Lanka v England, 2000β01, Second Test Match |access-date=11 January 2024 |year=2002 |title=Wisden Cricketers' Almanack}}</ref> In the deciding Test at [[Singhalese Sports Club Cricket Ground|Colombo]], Thorpe held England's first innings together scoring 113 not out from a total of 249 with the next highest score being 26,<ref>{{cite web |title=Sri Lanka v England, 3rd Test, Colombo (SSC), March 15 β 17, 2001 |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/england-tour-of-sri-lanka-2000-01-61786/sri-lanka-vs-england-3rd-test-63918/full-scorecard |website=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=11 January 2024}}</ref> although he was fortunate to survive a bat-pad catch that was given not out when on 73.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Wilde |first1=Simon |title=Colombo win defies logic |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=AWGLNB&req_dat=1054640702C8DBC0&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F92ACA2EC0A6F07 |access-date=11 January 2024 |work=The Sunday Times |via=Newsbank |url-access=subscription |date=2 March 2001}}</ref> On a dramatic third day, 22 wickets fell including Sri Lanka bowled out for 81. In pursuit of a small target of 74 the tourists lost six wickets but a calm 32 from Thorpe completed the victory.<ref>{{cite book |chapter-url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/wisdenalmanack/content/story/154223.html |chapter=Sri Lanka v England, 2000β01, Third Test Match |access-date=12 January 2024 |year=2002 |title=Wisden Cricketers' Almanack}}</ref> He ended the series as leading run-scorer with a tally of 269 runs at an average of 67.25.<ref>{{cite web |title=England in Sri Lanka, 2000/01 β Most Test runs |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/records/series/batting-most-runs-career/england-in-sri-lanka-test-series-2000-01-442 |website=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=12 January 2024}}</ref> Captain Nasser Hussain left the tour with a thigh injury after the Tests and Thorpe was chosen as acting captain for the ODI series,<ref>{{cite book |last1=Chevallier |first1=Hugh |chapter-url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/wisdenalmanack/content/story/154217.html |chapter=England in Sri Lanka, 2000β01 |access-date=12 January 2024 |year=2002 |title=Wisden Cricketers' Almanack}}</ref> Sri Lanka won all three matches convincingly including inflicting a first ever 10-wicket ODI defeat on England in the last game.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Martin-Jenkins |first1=Christopher |title=Kaluwitharana puts England in their place |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=AWGLNB&req_dat=1054640702C8DBC0&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F929E7CC8D87AA0 |access-date=12 January 2024 |work=The Times |via=Newsbank |url-access=subscription |date=28 March 2001}}</ref> In the two-Test [[Pakistani cricket team in England in 2001|home series with Pakistan]], Thorpe scored 80 during England's innings victory at Lord's in the first Test.<ref>{{cite web |title=England v Pakistan, 1st Test, Lord's, May 17 β 20, 2001 |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/pakistan-tour-of-england-2001-61459/england-vs-pakistan-1st-test-63932/full-scorecard |website=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=16 January 2024}}</ref> In the second Test at Old Trafford, Thorpe made his ninth Test century going on to equal his Test best score of 138. He and [[Michael Vaughan]] came together at 15/2 in response to Pakistan's 403 before sharing a partnership of 267 which was a record for England against Pakistan. Thorpe's dismissal brought collapses in both innings with Pakistan taking eight wickets in the final session to win the match.<ref name="oldtrafford01">{{cite book |last1=Booth |first1=Lawrence |chapter-url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/wisdenalmanack/content/story/154295.html |chapter=England v Pakistan 2001, Second Test Match |access-date=16 January 2024 |year=2002 |title=Wisden Cricketers' Almanack}}</ref> His 228 runs in three innings saw him named as England's player of the series.<ref name="testseries"/><ref name="oldtrafford01"/> Thorpe sustained a calf injury in the warm-up before the opening match of the [[2001 NatWest Series|Natwest Series]], the issue caused him to miss the whole ODI tournament as well as the first Test of the [[Australian cricket team in England and Ireland in 2001|Ashes series]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Selvey |first1=Mike |title=England batting crisis as Thorpe is ruled out |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2001/jul/03/cricket.ashes20011 |access-date=2 April 2024 |work=The Guardian |date=3 July 2001}}</ref> He returned to the team for the second Test but suffered another injury setback after being struck by a bouncer from [[Brett Lee]] which broke a bone in his right hand.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Pringle |first1=Derek |title=Thorpe's injury adds to the torment |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/thorpe-s-injury-adds-to-the-torment-9164570.html |access-date=2 April 2024 |work=The Independent |date=24 July 2001}}</ref> He failed to play in the remainder of the series which Australia won 4β1.<ref>{{cite book |chapter-url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/wisdenalmanack/content/story/154884.html |chapter=Australia in England, 2001 |access-date=17 January 2024 |year=2002 |title=Wisden Cricketers' Almanack}}</ref> Thorpe was selected for England's [[English cricket team in India in 2001β02|tour of India in 2001β02]] and played in the first Test at [[Inderjit Singh Bindra Stadium|Mohali]], scoring 23 and 62.<ref name="testinn"/> He flew home before the second Test for 'personal reasons',<ref>{{cite news |last1=Wilson |first1=Andy |title=Troubled Thorpe heads home |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2001/dec/12/cricket.englandinindia200102 |access-date=2 April 2024 |work=The Guardian |date=12 December 2001}}</ref> but did return to India for the ODI leg of the tour in January 2002.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Hopps |first1=David |chapter-url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/wisdenalmanack/content/story/154977.html |chapter=England in India, 2001β02 |access-date=23 January 2024 |year=2003 |title=Wisden Cricketers' Almanack}}</ref> ===2002=== Following the India series England's moved on to New Zealand, beginning their [[English cricket team in New Zealand in 2001β02|tour]] with a five-match ODI series. Thorpe scored half-centuries in the third and fourth ODIs with England winning both matches.<ref>{{cite web |title=New Zealand v England, 3rd ODI (D/N), Napier, February 20, 2002 |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/england-tour-of-new-zealand-2001-02-61779/new-zealand-vs-england-3rd-odi-64750/full-scorecard |website=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=29 January 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=New Zealand v England, 4th ODI (D/N), Auckland, February 23, 2002 |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/england-tour-of-new-zealand-2001-02-61779/new-zealand-vs-england-4th-odi-64751/full-scorecard |website=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=29 January 2024}}</ref> The first Test match was played at [[Lancaster Park]] on a [[Cricket pitch#Drop-in pitches|drop-in pitch]] which got better for batting as the match went on. In England's second innings they were 106/5 when Thorpe, having already been dropped by [[Nathan Astle]] off his second ball, was joined by Andrew Flintoff.<ref name="christchurch">{{cite book |chapter-url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/wisdenalmanack/content/story/155005.html |chapter=New Zealand v England, First Test |access-date=29 January 2024 |year=2003 |title=Wisden Cricketers' Almanack}}</ref> The pair put on a partnership of 281 in 312 balls, surpassing the English record for the sixth-wicket in the process.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Pringle |first1=Derek |title=Flintoff shows Thorpe the way on historic day |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/flintoff-shows-thorpe-the-way-on-historic-day-9240111.html |access-date=29 January 2024 |work=The Independent |date=16 March 2002}}</ref> Thorpe reached his maiden Test double century from 231 balls, at the time the third fastest in Tests, his innings contained 28 fours and four sixes. Set an implausible target of 550, Astle scored the fastest double-century in Test history which briefly threatened a New Zealand win.<ref name="christchurch"/> Thorpe made 57 runs in the next two Tests<ref name="testinn"/> which were overshadowed by news of [[Ben Hollioake]]'s death,<ref>{{cite book |last1=Booth |first1=Lawrence |chapter-url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/wisdenalmanack/content/story/154995.html |chapter=England in New Zealand, 2001β02 |access-date=29 January 2024 |year=2003 |title=Wisden Cricketers' Almanack}}</ref> a Surrey and England team-mate of Thorpe. Sri Lanka [[Sri Lankan cricket team in England in 2002|toured England]] in the first part of the 2002 English season to play a three-Test series. In the second Test at Edgbaston, Thorpe reached his 11th Test century thanks to support from number 11 [[Matthew Hoggard]].<ref name="edgbaston02">{{cite news |last1=Wilde |first1=Simon |title=England put pressure on tourists |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=AWGLNB&req_dat=1054640702C8DBC0&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F8C53568AFE2F4E |access-date=29 January 2024 |work=The Sunday Times |via=Newsbank |url-access=subscription |date=2 June 2002}}</ref> Thorpe was on 61 when the ninth wicket fell but was able to more than double his score with the stand of 91 being a tenth wicket record for England-Sri Lanka matches.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Chevallier |first1=Hugh |chapter-url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/wisdenalmanack/content/story/154975.html |chapter=England v Sri Lanka, Second Test |access-date=29 January 2024 |year=2003 |title=Wisden Cricketers' Almanack}}</ref> He also passed 5,000 Test runs during the innings, the 14th Englishman to reach the landmark.<ref name="edgbaston02"/> Thorpe played in England's first three ODIs of the [[2002 NatWest Series|NatWest Series]] before being omitted from the rest of their matches. At the end of the tournament he announced his retirement from ODI cricket to focus on Test cricket citing the fitness demands of playing in both formats as well as wanting to spend more time with his children.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Wilde |first1=Simon |title=England blow as Thorpe quits |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=AWGLNB&req_dat=1054640702C8DBC0&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F8C539072EAB04B |access-date=30 January 2024 |work=The Sunday Times |via=Newsbank |url-access=subscription |date=14 July 2002}}</ref> In the first Test against India, Thorpe struggled scoring five runs in two innings with ''Wisden'' describing him as 'visibly distressed'.<ref name="testinn"/><ref>{{cite book |last1=de Lisle |first1=Tim |chapter-url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/wisdenalmanack/content/story/154969.html |chapter=England v India, First Test |access-date=30 January 2024 |year=2003 |title=Wisden Cricketers' Almanack}}</ref> At the conclusion of the match he announced that he was taking a break from cricket stating: "I am feeling very worn down and burnt out by events off the field which have become a major distraction for me and prevented me from focusing fully on my cricket."<ref>{{cite news |last1=Llewellyn |first1=David |title=Troubled Thorpe puts career on hold |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/troubled-thorpe-puts-career-on-hold-186475.html |access-date=2 April 2024 |work=The Independent |date=30 July 2002}}</ref> Thorpe returned to cricket seven weeks later for Surrey in a County Championship fixture with Hampshire, scoring a second innings century.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Gibson |first1=Pat |title=Hampshire nurse Thorpe back into full working order |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=AWGLNB&req_dat=1054640702C8DBC0&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F9205559E1942F4 |access-date=30 January 2024 |work=The Times |via=Newsbank |url-access=subscription |date=14 September 2002}}</ref> He was originally named in England's squad for the [[English cricket team in Australia in 2002β03|2002β03 Ashes]] after making himself available for selection but reversed his decision two weeks later and withdrew from the tour.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Martin-Jenkins |first1=Christopher |title=Ramprakash ready to fill in for Thorpe |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=AWGLNB&req_dat=1054640702C8DBC0&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F92059E7B1E9C22 |access-date=30 January 2024 |work=The Times |via=Newsbank |url-access=subscription |date=25 September 2002}}</ref> ===2003=== During the [[2003 English cricket season|2003 English season]], Thorpe played for Surrey for most of the campaign and helped them to win the double of [[2003 ECB National League|National League]] and [[2003 Twenty20 Cup|Twenty20 Cup]]. He made 13 appearances in the National League and averaged 47.25,<ref>{{cite web |title=Sunday League 2003 β Surrey averages |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/records/tournament/averages-batting-bowling-by-team/national-cricket-league-division-one-2003-2381?team=1409 |website=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=6 February 2024}}</ref> and featured in five matches during the inaugural season of the Twenty20 Cup including the opening night win over [[Middlesex County Cricket Club|Middlesex]] as well as the victory over [[Warwickshire County Cricket Club|Warwickshire]] in the final.<ref>{{cite web |title=Twenty20 Matches Played by Graham Thorpe |url=https://www.cricketarchive.com/Surrey/Players/2/2092/Twenty20_Matches.html |website=CricketArchive |access-date=6 February 2024}}</ref> Thorpe was recalled by England for the final Test of the summer with England trailing South Africa 2β1 in the [[South African cricket team in England in 2003|series]], he replaced an injured Nasser Hussain.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Martin-Jenkins |first1=Christopher |title=Thorpe has the class to inspire England |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=AWGLNB&req_dat=1054640702C8DBC0&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0FD505E6ADD9090B |access-date=2 February 2024 |work=The Times |via=Newsbank |url-access=subscription |date=1 September 2003}}</ref> In response to South Africa's 484, Thorpe joined [[Marcus Trescothick]] at the wicket with England 78/2 and the pair batted together for five hours in adding 268.<ref name="oval03">{{cite book |last1=Chevallier |first1=Hugh |chapter-url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/wisdenalmanack/content/story/155817.html |chapter=England v South Africa, Fifth Test |access-date=6 February 2024 |year=2004 |title=Wisden Cricketers' Almanack}}</ref> This was the fourth occasion of Thorpe being involved in a Test partnership of more than 250 and his innings of 126 was his first century for England at The Oval.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Brenkley |first1=Stephen |title=Thorpe sparks Marcus of esteem |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/thorpe-sparks-marcus-of-esteem-85840.html |access-date=8 February 2024 |work=The Independent on Sunday |date=7 September 2003}}</ref> England would go on to win the match and draw the series.<ref name="oval03"/> The Oval century ensured Thorpe's place in the squad for the tours of Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Selvey |first1=Mike |title=England leave door ajar for Gough's return |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2003/sep/11/cricket.comment |access-date=2 April 2024 |work=The Guardian |date=11 September 2003}}</ref> In [[English cricket team in Bangladesh in 2003β04|Bangladesh]] he scored two half-centuries as England won both Tests.<ref name="testinn"/><ref name="sl03">{{cite book |last1=Miller |first1=Andrew |chapter-url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/wisdenalmanack/content/story/155895.html |chapter=England in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, 2003β04 |access-date=8 February 2024 |year=2004 |title=Wisden Cricketers' Almanack}}</ref> However on the [[English cricket team in Sri Lanka in 2003β04|Sri Lankan leg]] of the tour he struggled against [[Muttiah Muralitharan]]'s [[doosra]] and was dismissed by him five times,<ref name="sl03"/> across the three Tests he scored 183 runs at 30.50.<ref name="testseries"/> ===2004=== Thorpe was selected for his third [[English cricket team in the West Indies in 2003β04|tour of the West Indies]] in 2004 for a four-Test series.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Fraser |first1=Angus |title=Thorpe primed to play England's guiding hand |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/thorpe-primed-to-play-england-s-guiding-hand-71434.html |access-date=8 April 2024 |work=The Independent |date=29 February 2004}}</ref> In the second Test, he top-scored with an innings of 90 with ''Wisden'' commenting that "he pulled and hooked majestically".<ref>{{cite web |title=West Indies v England, 2nd Test, Port of Spain, March 19 β 23, 2004 |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/england-tour-of-west-indies-2003-04-61746/west-indies-vs-england-2nd-test-64078/full-scorecard |website=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=9 February 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Stern |first1=John |chapter-url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/wisdenalmanack/content/story/237187.html |chapter=West Indies v England, Second Test Match |access-date=9 February 2024 |year=2005 |title=Wisden Cricketers' Almanack}}</ref> He followed that by scoring his 13th Test century in the next Test at the Kensington Oval under tough circumstances. England lost wickets regularly in their first innings but Thorpe remained, and with support from the tail was able to reach three figures and put his side into a narrow lead.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Martin-Jenkins |first1=Christopher |title=England take their lead from Thorpe in brave fightback |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=AWGLNB&req_dat=1054640702C8DBC0&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F101BE28DB18879A2 |access-date=12 February 2024 |work=The Times |via=Newsbank |url-access=subscription |date=3 April 2004}}</ref> His unbeaten score of 119 was more than half the team total of 226 with the next highest contribution being 17.<ref>{{cite web |title=West Indies v England, 3rd Test, Bridgetown, April 01 β 03, 2004 |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/england-tour-of-west-indies-2003-04-61746/west-indies-vs-england-3rd-test-64079/full-scorecard |website=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=12 February 2024}}</ref> He was named man of the match as England won the Test to secure a first series victory in the Caribbean since 1968.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Wilde |first1=Simon |title=History men |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=AWGLNB&req_dat=1054640702C8DBC0&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F101CE4CEB7428D0A |access-date=12 February 2024 |work=The Sunday Times |via=Newsbank |url-access=subscription |date=4 April 2004}}</ref> In the final Test, [[Brian Lara]] scored 400 not out to break the [[List of Test cricket records#Innings|record for highest score]] in Test cricket for a second time in his career, Thorpe witnessed both innings having also been in the opposition during his score of 375 in 1994.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Cozier |first1=Tony |chapter-url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/wisdenalmanack/content/story/237200.html |chapter=West Indies v England, Fourth Test Match |access-date=12 February 2024 |year=2005 |title=Wisden Cricketers' Almanack}}</ref> Thorpe ended the series with 274 runs at an average of 91.33.<ref name="testseries"/> In the [[New Zealand cricket team in England in 2004|home series with New Zealand]], Thorpe twice helped England to successful fourth innings run chases of more than 280. At Lord's he made a half-century in an unbroken stand of 139 alongside Nasser Hussain who scored a century in his final Test innings.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Selvey |first1=Mike |title=Hussain's victory dance may be his last tango |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2004/may/25/cricket.newzealandinengland2004 |access-date=2 April 2024 |work=The Guardian |date=25 May 2004}}</ref> In the third Test at Trent Bridge, Thorpe arrived at the wicket with England 46/3 in pursuit of 284 before making his 14th Test century which with support down the order lead his team to a four wicket victory. The innings, which won him the man of the match award, was noted for its cover drives with ''Wisden'' stating that he "scored heavily between point and extra cover".<ref name="nottingham04">{{cite book |last1=Hobson |first1=Richard |chapter-url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/wisdenalmanack/content/story/231700.html |chapter=England v New Zealand, Third Test Match |access-date=13 February 2024 |year=2005 |title=Wisden Cricketers' Almanack}}</ref> The 3β0 series score made it England's first [[Whitewash (sport)|whitewash]] of a three-match series since 1978.<ref name="nottingham04"/> England continued their success during the second half of the English season as they beat the [[West Indian cricket team in England in 2004|touring West Indies]] 4β0.<ref name="windies04">{{cite book |last1=Fay |first1=Stephen |chapter-url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/wisdenalmanack/content/story/232455.html |chapter=The West Indians in England, Tour Summary |access-date=13 February 2024 |year=2005 |title=Wisden Cricketers' Almanack}}</ref> Thorpe contributed a pair of half-centuries in the second Test at Edgbaston.<ref>{{cite web |title=England v West Indies, 2nd Test, Birmingham, July 29 β August 01, 2004 |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/west-indies-tour-of-england-2004-61872/england-vs-west-indies-2nd-test-64094/full-scorecard |website=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=13 February 2024}}</ref> In the following match at Old Trafford, he began his innings in partnership with [[Andrew Strauss]] for the first time and the two left-handers added 177 for the third wicket recovering the score from 40/3.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Wilde |first1=Simon |title=Thorpe steadies ship after England falter |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=AWGLNB&req_dat=1054640702C8DBC0&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F1048B56DCBD331AB |access-date=13 February 2024 |work=The Sunday Times |via=Newsbank |url-access=subscription |date=15 August 2004}}</ref> Thorpe broke his little finger when struck by a [[Fidel Edwards]] bouncer on 91 but batted on to reach his 15th Test century with a score of 114.<ref name="falloflara">{{cite news |last1=Fraser |first1=Angus |title=Fall of Lara leaves England with chance to chase record victory |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/fall-of-lara-leaves-england-with-chance-to-chase-record-victory-5384599.html |access-date=8 April 2024 |work=The Independent |date=16 August 2004}}</ref> Due to the injury Thorpe was unable to field and not called upon to bat in the second innings as England won the match by seven wickets.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Martin-Jenkins |first1=Christopher |title=Key's timely return to form wraps up series for England |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=AWGLNB&req_dat=1054640702C8DBC0&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F1048B572CEADB470 |access-date=13 February 2024 |work=The Times |via=Newsbank |url-access=subscription |date=17 August 2004}}</ref> He also missed the final Test with [[Ian Bell]] taking his place.<ref name="windies04"/> Across the series Thorpe made 286 runs at 57.20<ref name="testseries"/> however he did drop several catches with ''Wisden'' picking out "his increasingly unreliable and slow performances in the field".<ref name="windies04"/> England began a [[English cricket team in South Africa in 2004β05|tour of South Africa]] in December playing five Tests. In winning the opening match England achieved their eighth consecutive Test victory, a national record.<ref>{{cite web |title=Test matches β Team records β Most consecutive wins |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/records/most-consecutive-wins-105118 |website=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=14 February 2024}}</ref> In the second Test at [[Kingsmead Cricket Ground|Durban]], Thorpe scored his 16th Test century helping England to recover a first innings deficit of 193. Despite centuries from Strauss and Marcus Trescothick, the match was in the balance when Thorpe began his innings but century stands with Andrew Flintoff and [[Geraint Jones]] helped secure a position from which they were able to declare, Thorpe remaining unbeaten on 118.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Booth |first1=Lawrence |chapter-url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/wisdenalmanack/content/story/237250.html |chapter=South Africa v England, Second Test Match |access-date=14 February 2024 |year=2005 |title=Wisden Cricketers' Almanack}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=South Africa v England, 2nd Test, Durban, December 26 β 30, 2004 |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/england-tour-of-south-africa-2004-05-61698/south-africa-vs-england-2nd-test-64117/full-scorecard |website=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=14 February 2024}}</ref> In South Africa's second innings he became the fifth Englishman to register 100 Test catches as a fielder.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Conn |first1=Malcolm |title=Langer fan of Strauss waltz |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=AWGLNB&req_dat=1054640702C8DBC0&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F107504E5BA535B97 |access-date=14 February 2024 |work=The Australian |via=Newsbank |url-access=subscription |date=31 December 2004}}</ref> Thorpe's other significant contribution of the series came in the final Test at [[Centurion Park]] where he batted over five and a half hours for a patient 86, taking time from a match South Africa needed to win to level the series.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Martin-Jenkins |first1=Christopher |title=Flintoff's all-round brilliance gives hope of victory |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=AWGLNB&req_dat=1054640702C8DBC0&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F107DC97396A96904 |access-date=14 February 2024 |work=The Times |via=Newsbank |url-access=subscription |date=25 January 2005}}</ref> Overall he had an indifferent series, averaging 35.87,<ref name="testseries"/> with ''Wisden'' assessing that he was "generally less convincing than in the past".<ref>{{cite book |chapter-url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/wisdenalmanack/content/story/237184.html |chapter=England in Namibia, Zimbabwe and South Africa, 2004β05 |access-date=14 February 2024 |year=2005 |title=Wisden Cricketers' Almanack}}</ref> ===2005=== At the start of the [[2005 English cricket season|English season]], Thorpe was in poor form making 78 runs in five County Championship innings while also missing a match due to a back injury.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Gibson |first1=Pat |title=Thorpe loses last chance to impress England selectors |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=AWGLNB&req_dat=1054640702C8DBC0&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F10A0B5FDB6770DDB |access-date=16 February 2024 |work=The Times |via=Newsbank |url-access=subscription |date=11 May 2005}}</ref> However he was included in England's squad for the [[Bangladeshi cricket team in England in 2005|two Tests]] against Bangladesh. He made 42 not out in the first Test and an unbeaten 66 in the second,<ref name="testinn"/> during the latter innings he combined with [[Ian Bell]] to add 187 runs from 193 balls.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Fay |first1=Stephen |title=Memories abound as Bell's morning glory bridges a 70-year gap |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/memories-abound-as-bell-s-morning-glory-bridges-a-70year-gap-493088.html |access-date=2 April 2024 |work=The Independent |date=5 June 2005}}</ref> Against weak opposition, England won both matches comfortably by an innings.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Miller |first1=Andrew |chapter-url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/wisdenalmanack/content/story/259968.html |chapter=England v Bangladesh 2005, Series review |access-date=16 February 2024 |year=2006 |title=Wisden Cricketers' Almanack}}</ref> The second Test brought Thorpe his 100th Test appearance, becoming the eighth English player to reach the landmark.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Westerby |first1=John |title=Thorpe ready for final push after reaching century |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=AWGLNB&req_dat=1054640702C8DBC0&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F10A7F6804043A973 |access-date=16 February 2024 |work=The Times |via=Newsbank |url-access=subscription |date=2 June 2005}}</ref> The form shown by [[Kevin Pietersen]] in the ODIs against Australia led to media speculation over which of Thorpe or Pietersen would be selected for the [[2005 Ashes series|Ashes series]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Wilde |first1=Simon |title=Spoilt for choice |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=AWGLNB&req_dat=1054640702C8DBC0&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F10B52604C4E10DD0 |access-date=16 February 2024 |work=The Sunday Times |via=Newsbank |url-access=subscription |date=10 July 2005}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Weaver |first1=Paul |title=Tried and tested or young and hungry? |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=AWGLNB&req_dat=1054640702C8DBC0&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F10B63DD4AFA140A8 |access-date=16 February 2024 |work=The Guardian |via=Newsbank |url-access=subscription |date=14 July 2005}}</ref> They opted for Pietersen with chairman of selectors [[David Graveney]] describing it as "the most difficult decision that I have been party to in my time as a selector".<ref>{{cite web | title=Pietersen edges out Thorpe in Ashes squad | url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/engvaus/content/story/213484.html |website=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=13 December 2014 |date=14 July 2005}}</ref> On 22 July, Thorpe announced his retirement from international cricket citing the arrival of his third child as the main reason behind the decision.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Pryor |first1=Matthew |title=Duties as a new father hastened decision to retire |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=AWGLNB&req_dat=1054640702C8DBC0&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F10B52604C4E10DD0 |access-date=16 February 2024 |work=The Times |via=Newsbank |url-access=subscription |date=23 July 2005}}</ref> A month later he retired from all first-class cricket stating: "In purely physical terms, I don't want to go through another season of taking painkillers and having injections in my back."<ref>{{cite web |title=Thorpe to retire from first-class cricket |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/thorpe-to-retire-from-first-class-cricket-216670 |website=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=16 February 2024 |date=21 August 2005}}</ref> He had intended to finish at the end of the season but suffered a back spasm ahead of the match with Hampshire and was not included in Surrey's squad for final game of the season,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Kidd |first1=Patrick |title=Batty takes the lead to steady ship for Surrey |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=AWGLNB&req_dat=1054640702C8DBC0&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F10C3FA4B407ADD20 |access-date=19 February 2024 |work=The Times |via=Newsbank |url-access=subscription |date=26 August 2005}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Powell |first1=Leigh |title=Thorpe left out for Surrey's relegation decider |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2005/sep/21/cricket.sport |access-date=2 April 2024 |work=The Guardian |date=21 September 2005}}</ref> so his final first-class appearance came against [[Gloucestershire County Cricket Club|Gloucestershire]] prior to the announcement.<ref>{{cite web |title=Surrey v Gloucestershire, The Brit Oval, Kennington on 16th, 17th, 18th, 19th August 2005 |url=https://www.cricketarchive.com/Surrey/Scorecards/83/83292.html |website=CricketArchive |access-date=16 February 2024}}</ref>
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