Former England and Surrey cricketer Graham Thorpe has passed away at the age of 55, it has been announced.

Thorpe, who represented England in 100 Test matches from 1993 to 2005, also played in 82 one-day internationals.

The elegant left-handed batsman accumulated 6,744 Test runs for England, hitting 16 centuries with an average of 44.66.

Tributes have poured in from current England captain Ben Stokes, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), and Surrey.

"There seem to be no appropriate words to describe the deep shock we feel at Graham's death," the ECB said in a statement.

"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."

Thorpe spent his entire first-class playing career at Surrey, whom he represented from 1988 to 2005.

Surrey chair Oli Slipper said Thorpe "is one of the great sons" of the county and "there is an overwhelming sadness that he will not walk through the gates of the Oval again".

Surrey chief executive Steve Elworthy added: "He achieved remarkable feats for club and country and was a hero to so many cricket fans."

Thorpe made a memorable start to his Test career, scoring an unbeaten 114 in the second innings against Australia in 1993.

His highest Test score was 200 not out, achieved against New Zealand in 2002.

After retiring from playing in 2005, Thorpe transitioned to coaching in Australia, starting with New South Wales.

He then joined the England coaching staff, where he served from 2010 to 2022.

In March 2022, Thorpe was appointed as the head coach of Afghanistan.

However, before he could take up the role, he was hospitalized with a serious illness.