BEN STOKES has led the tributes to former England star Graham Thorpe after he passed away aged 55.
Thorpe had been suffering from an illness since 2022, when he was admitted to hospital because of the condition.
England skipper Stokes honoured Thorpe at the time, wearing his Test cap number 564 on the back of his shirt.
Following his passing Stokes took to social media to re-share the photo of himself wearing the number, alongside the caption: “
”
Cricket fans have shown their love and admiration for Thorpe, who played in 100 Test matches for England between 1993 and 2005.
The batsman scored 6,744 runs and for many was a rare bright spark in an underperforming England team in the 1990s.
Ex-England captain Micahel Vaughan paid tribute to his former team-mate, saying: “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.”
England opener Ben Duckett also shared some kind words, 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 
”
Thorpe began his career with Surrey and scored 114 in his England Test debut against Australia.
He later worked as a coach in Australia where he tutored the likes of Steve Smith and David Warner at New South Wales, before joining England as batting coach.
His former side Surrey wrote in a statement: “It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of Surrey and England legend Graham Thorpe, MBE.
“Everyone associated with the Club is devastated by the tragic news of Graham’s death.”
While the ECB said: “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.”
