With cricket bat in hand, few exceeded the mix of skill and tenacity shown by Graham Thorpe whenever he was called to the crease. They were the twin pillars of all his finest innings, including an unbeaten 64 that he made to secure the “win in the dark” over Pakistan at Karachi in 2000, one of England’s greatest victories overseas.
Thorpe often saved his best for a crisis, and this was one. Pakistan had never lost a Test match in that city, so tried everything to frustrate their opponents, including cynical time-wasting on the final afternoon. But the left-handed Thorpe kept his calm amid the squabbles and procrastinations, and with a sure but deft touch saw England home long after the city’s crows had returned to roost.
