Thorpe Retires From International Cricket – 22/07/2005 Graham Thorpe has today announced that he wishes to retire from international cricket. Thorpe, 35, became only the eighth England player to play 100 Test matches for his country – reaching the milestone against Bangladesh at Durham in June 2005. The Surrey left hander said: ‘My partner is having a baby in the next couple of weeks and I have decided that I want to concentrate on my family life. I have enjoyed my time with England and I have wished them every success in this Ashes series. I am proud to have been part of this successful era in English cricket.’ Tributes Tributes have poured in to acknowledge Thorpe’s tremendous international career. David Graveney David Graveney, chairman of England selectors, and Vice President of the PCA paid tribute to Thorpe. ‘Graham was one of the leading players of his generation and that is reflected by the fact that he has collected 100 caps. You can judge what a feat that is by looking at the list of other players who have reached that number of appearances. He will be remembered as a tenacious batsman who served England with great ability and great pride.’ Richard Bevan PCA Chief Executive Richard Bevan said, ‘Graham has been a marvellous servant for England both on and off the field and can be immensely proud of what he has achieved in the international arena. This winter will see him develop his coaching skills and I’m sure his vast experience will assist many up and coming cricketers in the years to come.’ Alec Stewart Former England captain and now a Vice President of the PCA Alec Stewart said, ” I’ve known Graham since he was 13 and pretty early on in his international career he worked out his own way of playing. He was always a man for a crisis and only injury and problems in his domestic life prevented him from making more appearances for England. ‘For me the highlights of a great career would have to be his hundred on debut at Trent Bridge against Australia in 1993 and his match-winning innings at Lahore and Colombo in 2000. His contribution has been immense.” Mike Gatting Mike Gatting, President of the PCA said, ‘Graham has been a tremendous servant for England and a player that his country have relied on over the years. He should be very proud of what he has achieved in the game.’
