Ricky Ponting called Graham Thorpe England’s “best-ever” batting technician.

His former captain Mike Atherton, meanwhile, rated Thorpe alongside David Gower as England’s finest two left-handers since the Second World War.

Thorpe’s death, at the age of 55, was a shock to many when announced by the England Cricket Board on Monday night. But he had not been seen in public since the Professional Cricketers Association revealed in 2022 that Thorpe was “seriously ill” and in hospital.

He had signed up to become the head coach of Afghanistan shortly beforehand, after losing his job as England’s batting coach following an unhappy and biosecurity-blighted Ashes tour of 2021-22. It was a desperately sad conclusion to the cricket career of a player who confounded Australia on numerous occasions.

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

“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 team-mates 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.”

Nuggety in build and with a soccer background, Thorpe marked himself as a left-hander of quality by making a century on Test debut against Australia at Trent Bridge in 1993. He shared the crease with then captain Graham Gooch for a long partnership that innings, and lost little by comparison to his venerable partner.