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Thorpe returns as Surrey coach

04/11/2008

Surrey have announced that former batsman Graham Thorpe will return to the county ahead of next season as a specialist batting coach.

The Oval favourite will return to south-east London after three years away, when he has been working as an assistant coach and specialist batting coach of Australian state side New South Wales.

Thorpe made 189 first-class appearances for Surrey during a distinguished career, averaging almost 45.

He also played in 100 Test matches for England with an average of 44.66 – making him the tenth leading runs-scorer in English cricket history.

Speaking to the club's official website about his appointment, which will see him work with the first and second team squads and with the club's academy players, Thorpe said: "I've been associated with the club for three decades, I'm passionate about Surrey doing well and am looking forward to working with the players, cricketing staff and everyone involved with Surrey to bring back success to the club as soon as possible."

Surrey managing director Gus Mackay added: "Bringing in Graham has two huge benefits: one is that he's Surrey through-and-through; and second is that he has played cricket at the highest level and coached in Australia, which is a very competitive environment.

"He's been there, he's done it, he's respected and he knows the game inside out.

"This appointment shows that we are totally committed to developing our own players. All our players, and in particular the batters, will benefit from Graham being a part of the cricket management team."