New Zealand vs England: NZC and ECB Unveil Crowe-Thorpe Trophy Ahead of Iconic Test Series

New Zealand Cricket and the England Cricket Board have introduced the Crowe-Thorpe Trophy to honour two cricketing icons, Martin Crowe and Graham Thorpe. The trophy, crafted from the wood of their bats, will be contested in the upcoming three-match test series between the two cricket giants, beginning in Christchurch.

Martin Crowe, remembered as one of New Zealand’s finest batsmen, boasted a career average of 45.36 with 17 centuries, including a monumental 299 against Sri Lanka in 1991. Known for his resilience, Crowe often excelled in challenging conditions, notably scoring a masterful 188 in Georgetown against the formidable West Indies pace attack. He passed away in 2016 at the age of 53.

Graham Thorpe, who debuted in 1993 and played 100 Tests, was equally celebrated for his elegant batting and consistency. Thorpe’s Test career saw him amass an average of 44.66 with 16 centuries, including a standout 200* against New Zealand in 2002. A thorn in New Zealand’s side, Thorpe averaged 53 against them, with four centuries. Thorpe passed away earlier this year at the age of 55. About this historical trophy, NZC stated

“The bat gifted by the Thorpe family (a Kookaburra) is the one with which Graham scored his first two centuries against New Zealand, in consecutive Tests in 1997, while the one donated by the Crowe family was the GM with which Martin scored his century at Lord’s in 1994.”

The Crowe-Thorpe Trophy celebrates not only the exceptional cricketing achievements of these players but also their enduring influence on the sport. The series, beginning under this new banner, is set to add another chapter to the storied rivalry between New Zealand and England.