New Zealand and England will pay tribute to the late Martin Crowe and Graham Thorpe by introducing a trophy named in their honour at the start of the three-test series in Christchurch.
Crowe-Thorpe Trophy to Recognize Batting Giants
In a groundbreaking initiative, the Crowe-Thorpe Trophy has been introduced to celebrate and recognize the legendary contributions of two of cricket’s finest batting talents—Martin Crowe of New Zealand and Graham Thorpe of England. This prestigious award aims to honor the outstanding skills and influence these players had on the game, particularly in the realm of batting.
Martin Crowe, widely regarded as one of New Zealand’s greatest batsmen, was known for his stylish stroke play and tactical brilliance. Crowe was instrumental in transforming New Zealand into a competitive cricketing nation during the 1980s and 1990s. His elegance at the crease and ability to dominate both fast and spin bowling made him an exceptional player in all formats. With over 5,000 runs in Test cricket and a similar impact in One Day Internationals (ODIs), Crowe’s legacy remains unchallenged in New Zealand cricket.
On the other hand, England’s Graham Thorpe is often hailed as one of the country’s finest middle-order batsmen. Thorpe was known for his unflinching determination, impeccable technique, and calm demeanor under pressure. Over a career that spanned from 1993 to 2005, Thorpe accumulated over 16,000 international runs. His ability to anchor the innings in challenging conditions and his consistency in both Test and ODI formats earned him a reputation as a batting stalwart.
The Crowe-Thorpe Trophy aims to honor not only the technical brilliance of these batsmen but also the impact they had on their teams during pivotal moments. By recognizing the legacy of Crowe and Thorpe, the trophy serves as a tribute to their immense contributions to the cricketing world, inspiring future generations of cricketers to emulate their batting prowess and professionalism.
Both Crowe and Thorpe were iconic figures in Test cricket, leaving a lasting legacy with their remarkable performances.
Crow Former Black Caps Captains played 77 tests and died of cancer in 2016. He was 53.
He averaged 45.36 in his test career scoring 17 centuries – the last of which was against England at Old Trafford in 1994.
His higest test score was 299, scored against Sri Lanka at the Basin Reserve in Wellington in 1991.
Crowe-Thorpe Trophy played 100 tests for England.
He took his own life in August this year, his family said. He was 55
Thorpe scored 16 test centuries averaging 44.66. His highest score was 200 not out – against New Zealand in 2002.
The trophy is made from wood from a bat from each player.
The bat gifted by the Thorpe family (a Kookaburra) is the one with which Graham scored his first two centuries against New Zealand, in consecutive Tests in 1997, while the one donated by the Crowe family was the GM with which Martin scored his century at Lord’s in 1994.
New Zealand Chief Executive Officer Scott Weenink said it was fitting the stories and memories of both players would be kept alive through the newly named trophy.
“Today’s generation of players are standing on the shoulders of those who went before them, players like Graham and Martin,” said Weenink.
“Both were seriously good batsmen who understood the game intimately – they commanded respect wherever they went.”
Richard Gould, ECB Chief Executive Officer, said “it’s heart-breaking to have lost both men so early, but by honouring them in this way I hope we can help ensure the memories and legacies of two of our nations’ finest cricketers live on long into the future.”