Crowe-Thorpe Trophy introduced ahead of upcoming England vs New Zealand Test series

Batsmen Martin Crowe and Graham Thorpe will be commemorated through the establishment of the Crowe-Thorpe Trophy, which will be contested in all future Test series between New Zealand and England, commencing this week.

This trophy, created in collaboration with the families of the players, is crafted from wood derived from their respective bats.

Crowe, who achieved five centuries against England, passed away in 2016, while Thorpe, a persistent challenge for New Zealand teams, tragically took his own life earlier this year.

"Current players are benefiting from the foundations laid by those who preceded them, including Graham and Martin," stated New Zealand Cricket chief Scott Weenink on Tuesday.

"It is important that we acknowledge and honor their contributions."

Richard Gould, the chief of England cricket, referred to Crowe and Thorpe as "two legends of the game."

"It is appropriate that the Test series between our two men's teams will now be played in their honor," he remarked.

The bat presented by Thorpe's family is the one he used to score his first two centuries against New Zealand in 1997, while Crowe's bat was utilized for his century at Lord's in 1994.

Both players enjoyed remarkable success during their careers.

Crowe maintained a Test average of 45.36, accumulating 17 centuries with a highest score of 299, while Thorpe averaged 44.66, achieving 16 centuries and a top score of 200 not out.

New Zealand will face England in the first Test, which begins in Christchurch on Thursday, before the series progresses to Wellington and then Hamilton.

SportsLigue