Graham Thorpe has tragically passed away at the age of 55.

The England cricket legend was one of the greatest batsman the country has ever produced.

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Thorpe had been suffering with illness since May 2022, and the England and Wales cricket board released a statement on Monday confirming he had passed away.

It read: “It is with great sadness that we share the news that Graham Thorpe, MBE, has passed away.

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

talkSPORT’s Steve Harmison – Thorpe’s former teammate – paid tribute to his late friend live on air.

“As a player he was unbelievable, I still can’t believe what’s happened,” he told talkSPORT Breakfast.

“My thoughts and everyone’s from talkSPORT are thinking of Amanda and the kids at this time.

“When you grow up, the likes of [Darren] Gough and Thorpe, were everyone’s superstar heroes. They were the players 15-year-old Harmison wanted to be. It’s heartbreaking. 55 is no age.”

Thorpe played 100 Tests for England between 1993 and 2005, as well as 82 one-day internationals.

He made his international debut in 1993 and scored a century on his first Ashes appearance – the first England player to do so in 20 years.

Thorpe scored 6,744 Test runs for England, including 16 centuries. He had an average of 44.66.

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He also featured 82 times for the ODI side, as well as enjoying a 17-year career with Surrey.

Having retired from playing duty in 2005, Thorpe then took up coaching positions with New South Wales, Surrey and England.

In 2022, the Professional Cricketers Association confirmed Thorpe had fallen seriously ill.

“At the request of Graham Thorpe’s family, the PCA has issued the following statement,” it said. “Graham Thorpe has recently fallen seriously ill and is currently in hospital receiving treatment.

“His prognosis is unclear at this stage and we ask for privacy for him and his family at this time. Our thoughts are with Graham and his family.”

Following the news of his death, the ECB said: “There seem to be no appropriate words to describe the deep shock we feel at Graham’s death.

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

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

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

‘’The cricket world is in mourning today. Our hearts go out to his wife Amanda, his children, father Geoff, and all of his family and friends during this unimaginably difficult time.

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

Steve Elworthy, Surrey chief executive, said “Everyone associated with the club is devastated by the tragic news of Graham’s passing. He achieved remarkable feats for club and country and was a hero to so many cricket fans.

“Our thoughts and condolences are with Graham’s family and friends, to whom we will offer any support that we are able to. We ask that everyone respects the privacy of the family at this incredibly difficult time.”

Michael Vaughan, who captained Thorpe towards the end of his Test career, wrote on X: “RIP Thorpey. Thanks for all the advice throughout my career, you were a great player and a brilliant team-mate. You have gone far too young but you leave as an England cricket legend… Thoughts with all who knew Thorpey and to all the family xxx.”

Current England opener Ben Duckett also wrote on X, saying: “Heartbreaking to see Thorpey has passed away. He was one of my heroes growing up and I was fortunate to work with him.

“My thoughts go out to all of his friends and family during this tough time.”