New Zealand vs England Test series named after Martin Crowe and Graham Thorpe

“The bat talented by the Thorpe household (a Kookaburra) is the 1 with which Graham scored his archetypal 2 centuries against New Zealand, successful consecutive Tests successful 1997, portion the 1 donated by the Crowe household was the GM with which Martin scored his period astatine Lord’s successful 1994,” work the NZC statement.

“Today’s procreation of players are lasting connected the shoulders of those who went earlier them, players similar Graham and Martin. It’s bully that we recognise this and respect their legacy. Both were earnestly bully batters who understood the crippled intimately – they commanded respect wherever they went,” said New Zealand CEO Scott Weenink.

England CEO Richard Gould echoed those sentiments.

“Martin and Graham are 2 legends of the game, and it is fitting that Test bid betwixt our 2 men’s sides volition present beryllium contested successful their name,” helium said.

“It’s heart-breaking to person mislaid some men truthful early, but by honouring them successful this mode I anticipation we tin assistance guarantee the memories and legacies of 2 of our nations’ finest cricketers unrecorded connected agelong into the future.”

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

Thorpe, who debuted successful 1993 and played 100 Tests, was a changeless needle successful the broadside of the New Zealand teams, against whom helium scored 4 centuries and averaged 53. He died earlier this year, aged 55.

Crowe scored 5 centuries against England, including 142 astatine Lord’s successful his past visit. He was enormously brave, scoring runs successful the astir hard environments, including 188 successful Georgetown against a West Indian onslaught including Malcom Marshall, Michael Holding and Joel Garner. He died successful 2016, aged 53.