The trophy, made from wood from each player’s bat, in collaboration with the NZC, the ECB and each player’s families, will be unveiled on Thursday morning in Christchurch before the start of the three-match series. The trophy was designed by David Ngawati of Mahu Creative, who also designed the Tangiwai Shield for New Zealand’s Test series with South Africa.
Both Crowe and Thorpe enjoyed highly successful trial careers. Crowe, considered New Zealand’s best batsman, averaged 45.36 with 17 centuries. Thorpe, who tragically passed away in August, averaged 44.66 with 16 hundreds.
Crowe and Thorpe became mentors to subsequent generations, including members of both teams that will compete for this three-game series.
“It’s a team he had a lot of success against, a brilliant double century. He spoke to us many times about those innings here in Christchurch. [an unbeaten 200 in 2002]usually with a glass of sauvignon blanc.
“It’s a really fitting way to remember two of the great players from England and New Zealand. The way both teams play represents how they played quite well. I’m expecting a really exciting series, like the last one was. It will be a really fitting way “remember two brilliant players.”
In a statement issued on Tuesday, NZC chief executive Scott Weenink added: “The current generation of players stands on the shoulders of those who came before them, players like Graham and Martin. It is good that we recognize this and respect their legacy “Both players were really good hitters who understood the game intimately: they commanded respect wherever they went.”
ECB chief executive Richard Gould said: “Martin and Graham are two legends of the game, and it is fitting that the Test series between our two men’s teams will now be contested in their name.
“It is heartbreaking to have lost both men so early, but by honoring them in this way I hope we can help ensure that the memories and legacies of two of our nations’ greatest cricketers live on long into the future.”
The Crowe-Thorpe Trophy will be presented by Deb Crowe (Martin’s sister) and former England Test captain Michael Atherton at Hagley Oval before the national anthems on Thursday.
