New Zealand and England are set to compete for the Crowe-Thorpe Trophy, a tribute to the remarkable legacies of the late Martin Crowe and Graham Thorpe. The trophy symbolises the enduring influence of these cricketing greats, whose contributions left an indelible mark on the game.
Crafted from bats once wielded by Crowe and Thorpe, the trophy was created with the collaboration of NZC, ECB, and their families. Designed by David Ngawati of Mahu Creative, who also designed New Zealand’s Tangiwai Shield, the trophy will be unveiled on Thursday morning at Christchurch’s Hagley Oval before the three-match series begins.
A Legacy of Excellence
Both Crowe and Thorpe had illustrious Test careers. Martin Crowe, regarded as New Zealand’s greatest batter, achieved 17 centuries with a Test average of 45.36. Graham Thorpe, who passed away in August, scored 16 centuries at an average of 44.66. Their bats used to create the trophy hold deep significance: Crowe’s Gunn and Moore bat was used during his iconic century at Lord’s in 1994, while Thorpe’s Kookaburra helped him score consecutive hundreds against New Zealand in 1997.
Beyond their playing days, both legends became mentors to younger generations, influencing players on both sides of this series.
Tributes from the Cricketing World
"It is absolutely an honour," said Joe Root, who worked closely with Thorpe during his time as a batting coach with the ECB. "What a great man. For me personally, to have someone who you watched growing up and took a lot from, then to get the opportunity to work with him as a coach. The amount he put into my game, to have the opportunity to play for something with his name on it, is really quite special and a nice way to remember his legacy and a player."
He fondly mentioned Thorpe’s storytelling about his unbeaten 200 in Christchurch in 2002, often shared over a glass of wine.
Scott Weenink, NZC CEO, highlighted the importance of acknowledging players like Crowe and Thorpe, noting their profound understanding of the game and the respect they commanded globally. ECB chief executive Richard Gould called them "legends of the game," expressing hope that the trophy would help preserve their memories and legacies for future generations.
Unveiling Ceremony
The trophy will be revealed by Deb Crowe, Martin’s sister, alongside former England captain Michael Atherton during the national anthems at Hagley Oval. This event will not only celebrate the start of an exciting series but also honour the enduring contributions of two of cricket’s finest ambassadors.
With both teams carrying the weight of history and pride, the series promises to be a fitting tribute to Crowe and Thorpe's extraordinary careers.