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'...He Was In For The Fight': Michael Atherton's Heartfelt Tribute For Teammate Graham Thorpe

Michael Atherton (X.com)Michael Atherton (X.com)

On Monday, the cricketing world mourned the loss of a legend as former England cricketer Graham Thorpe, whose illustrious career left an indelible mark, passed away at the age of 55 after a prolonged illness.

Former England captain, Michael Atherton, was deeply shaken by the loss of his dear friend and teammate, Graham Thorpe. Their friendship, forged on the cricket field and strengthened through shared experiences, was a testament to the bond they shared.

"Friendships in sport are not quite like nine to five friendships. You don't clock in and clock off. You are with someone for three or four months on tour, so you get to know players exceptionally well. 

Myself and Graham toured Zimbabwe and Kenya with England A when I was 21, he was 20. He was there right at the end, my last tour in Pakistan, so he encapsulated the whole of my career really."


Watch- Atherton On Graham Thorpe's Demise



Atherton also told Sky Sports that Thorpe was their best player in the 90s. He was skillful and daring as he smashed big runs against the fearful Muttiah Muralitharan and Shane Warne.

"He was our best player in the 90s. He was our most complete player. He was brave and fearless against pace. He was highly skillful against spin - took hundreds off Murali [Muttiah Muralitharan] and Shane Warne. 

Most of all, he was a fierce and unflinching competitor. If we were 20-2 first morning of a Test and you saw him coming out, you knew he was in for the fight," the 56-year-old elaborated.


He played 100 Test matches and 82 ODIs for England before retiring from international sport in 2005. The left-handed batter had scored close to 9000 runs in his illustrious career, compiling 16 Test centuries.