England star Ben Stokes has led the tributes to former Surrey cricketer Graham Thorpe after he passed away at the age of 55. While Thorpe’s former team-mate Shaun Udal labelled him “a legend” and a “great player and human being”.

The England and Wales Cricket Board released a statement on Monday confirming his sudden death, prompting renowned names from all over cricket to pay their respects to the ex-England international.

On Monday morning, an ECB statement 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.

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

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

“Later, as a coach, he guided the best England Men’s talent to some incredible victories across all formats of the game. The cricket world is in mourning today.

“Our hearts go out to his wife Amanda, his children, father Geoff, and all of his family and friends during this unimaginably difficult time. We will always remember Graham for his extraordinary contributions to the sport.”

Ex-Hampshire and Middlesex bowler Udal posted: “Such tragic news about Graham Thorpe, played with and against the little legend since the age of 10, great player and human being, so young, thoughts with his family and friends x.”

Thorpe scored 16 centuries across 100 test caps for his country after debuting in July 1993, featuring at the 1996 and 1999 Cricket World Cups. He spent his entire 17-year career representing Surrey after making his first-class bow at the age of 18 before working as a coach for the county, New South Wales and England after his retirement in 2005.

Stokes, who wore ‘Thorpe 564’ on the back of his shirt to support the coach when he fell seriously ill two years ago, posted a poignant throwback to that moment in 2022 with a series of heart emojis.

Another England batsman, Ben Duckett, described Thorpe as “one of my heroes” in a heartwarming post about the former coach.

“Heartbreaking to see Thorpey has passed away,” he wrote on X. “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.”

Thorpe, who was awarded an MBE in 2006, is survived by his wife Amanda and three children.