The historic Test cricket rivalry between New Zealand and England has been elevated with the announcement that future series will now be played for the Crowe-Thorpe Trophy, a tribute to legendary cricketers Martin Crowe of New Zealand and Graham Thorpe of England.
This prestigious trophy commemorates the remarkable contributions of both players to the game. Martin Crowe, regarded as one of New Zealand’s finest batters, scored 17 Test centuries at an average of 45.36 during a stellar 14-year career. His English counterpart, Graham Thorpe, similarly excelled on the international stage with 16 Test hundreds at an average of 44.66 over 13 years.
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The trophy, crafted from wood sourced from bats used by Crowe and Thorpe, will be officially unveiled in Christchurch ahead of the first Test match between the two nations. The unveiling ceremony will feature Crowe’s sister Debbie and former England captain Michael Atherton, according to the International Cricket Council (ICC).
New Zealand Cricket CEO Scott Weenink praised the initiative as a meaningful way to honor the legacy of two cricketing icons. “Today’s generation of players are standing on the shoulders of those who went before them, players like Graham and Martin. It’s good that we recognize this and respect their legacy. Both were seriously good batters who understood the game intimately – they commanded respect wherever they went,” Weenink stated.
Echoing these sentiments, England Cricket Board CEO Richard Gould highlighted the emotional significance of the tribute. “Martin and Graham are two legends of the game, and it is fitting that Test series between our two men’s sides will now be contested in their name. It’s heart-breaking to have lost both men so early, but by honoring them in this way, I hope we can ensure the memories and legacies of two of our nations’ finest cricketers live on long into the future,” Gould said.
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