Crowe-Thorpe Trophy unveiled ahead of England-New Zealand Test series

The England and New Zealand Test teams honoured the late Martin Crowe and Graham Thorpe with a trophy named in the pair's honour.

The Crowe-Thorpe Trophy, a collaboration between New Zealand Cricket (NZC), the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), and the families of each player, was unveiled on the morning of the first Test against England in Christchurch.

Both were hugely successful Test batsmen in their time: Crowe averaging 45.36 and posting 17 centuries with a highest score of 299, and Thorpe averaging 44.66 with 16 centuries and a highest score of 200 not out –  against New Zealand in 2002.

“Made from wood sourced from a bat from each player, the trophy is designed by David Ngawati of Mahu Creative and will be played for in future New Zealand-England Test series,” said a statement from New Zealand Cricket.

“David was the craftsman who designed the Tangiwai Shield, for New Zealand v South Africa Tests, last summer,” added the statement.

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.

New Zealand Chief Executive Officer Scott Weenink said it was fitting the stories and memories of both players would be kept alive through the newly named trophy.

“Today’s generation of players are standing on the shoulders of those who went before them, players like Graham and Martin,” said Weenink.

“It’s good that we recognise this and respect their legacy.

“Both were seriously good batsmen who understood the game intimately - they commanded respect wherever they went.”

Richard Gould, ECB Chief Executive Officer, said, “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 honouring them in this way I hope we can help ensure the memories and legacies of two of our nations’ finest cricketers live on long into the future.”

Thorpe, who debuted in 1993 and played 100 Tests, was a constant needle in the side of the New Zealand teams, against whom he scored four centuries and averaged 53. He died earlier this year, aged 55.

Crowe scored five centuries against England, including 142 at Lord’s in his last visit. He was enormously brave, scoring runs in the most difficult environments, including 188 in Georgetown against a West Indian attack including Malcom Marshall, Michael Holding and Joel Garner. He died in 2016, aged 53.

The Crowe-Thorpe Trophy was unveiled by Deb Crowe (Martin’s sister) and former England Test captain Michael Atherton on the ground ahead of the national anthems on Thursday.

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