New Delhi: England and Wales cricket board is set to honour legendary player Graham Thorpe by naming a new trophy after him for the Test series against New Zealand. The series would be named after Thorpe and Kiwi batter Martin Crowe, a tribute to two of the most iconic batters from the respective countries.
The trophy will be awarded to the winner of the series between both the teams, a contest that dates back to 1930, when the two nations clashed in their first Test encounter. This will come into effect in the upcoming series between both the nations starting on November 28 and is being done to honour Crowe and Thorpe’s legacies. Both the cricketers have passed away with Crowe’s death coming 8 years back in 2016 while Thorpe passed away in August this year.
Crowe one of New Zealand’s finest cricketers
Martin Crowe was considered one of the finest cricketer’s New Zealand ever produced. He represented his nation in 77 Test matches from 1982 to 1995 and smashed 17 centuries and 18-half centuries. He ended his career with an impressive average of 45.36. Before passing away at the age of 53, he also became a commentator after his playing days. The Kiwi batter had a special connect with the English cricket teams as they were the most likeable opponents. He scored five centuries against England with an average of 40.6
Meanwhile, Thorpe, over a 100-Test career, averaged 44.7 and possessed a remarkable record against the Kiwis. Out of his total 16 Test centuries, he scored four of them against the Black Caps, including his highest Test score of 2oo not out, achieved at their turf in 2002. Both the sides last met in a thrilling match at the Basin Reserve in Wellington in the 2023, where the hosts clinched a one-run win.
The upcoming 3-match series gets underway in Christchurch on November 28, while the further matches will take place in Wellington and Hamilton before Christmas.
England and New Zealand Test series will be named after legendary cricketers Graham Thorpe and Martin Crowe. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
