Graham Thrope 59 off 153 Balls 217 Mins 6 Fours vs Sri Lanka First Innings of 2nd Test, Kandy, March 07 - 11, 2001-1 - video Dailymotion

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Graham Thrope 59 off 153 Balls 217 Mins 6 Fours vs Sri Lanka First Innings of 2nd Test, Kandy, March 07 - 11, 2001 .  Step back into the Test match between England and Sri Lanka in Kandy, played from March 7–11, 2001, and witness a determined batting performance by Graham Thorpe in the 1st innings of the 2nd Test.  Facing a quality Sri Lankan bowling attack on a turning subcontinental wicket, Thorpe stood firm with a gritty knock of 59 runs off 153 balls, spending 217 minutes at the crease and hitting 6 boundaries. This innings wasn’t just about runs — it was a demonstration of mental resilience, skillful footwork, and composure under pressure.  Graham Thorpe, known for his calm approach and classical technique, handled the spin threat brilliantly in tough batting conditions. His innings was a crucial contribution that helped England fight back on a pitch offering turn and bounce.  Watch the video to relive this underrated but significant knock from one of England’s most dependable middle-order batsmen.  🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more classic cricket moments!  #GrahamThorpe #TestCricket #EnglandCricket #SriLankaCricket #KandyTest #CricketHighlights #ClassicInnings #SubcontinentCricket #CricketLegends #CricketHistory   I hope you like the video of the solid knock by Graham Thorpe, 59 off 153 balls in 217 minutes with 6 fours vs. Sri Lanka in the first innings of the 2nd test, Kandy, March 2001.

Transcript

00:00In this video, we take you back to the challenging subcontinental conditions of Kennedy where

00:05England's seasoned campaigner Graham Thorpe showcased his class and temperament in the

00:09first innings of the second test against Sri Lanka, played from March 7 to 11, 2001.

00:15Facing quality spin on a turning track, Graham Thorpe stood tall with a fighting 59 of 153

00:21balls, occupying the crease for 217 minutes and stroking six boundaries. It was not a flashy

00:28innings. It was a masterclass in patience, footwork and gritting in Sri Lankan spinners.

00:33Batting on a wicket offering plenty of turn, Graham Thorpe's technique and calm presence

00:38helped Anker's England innings. This knock might not be talked about often, but it was crucial in

00:44the context of the match. So sit back and enjoy these innings, a reminder of how to bat with

00:48purpose and composure in testing Asian conditions.

00:56Left-handed Graham Thorpe replaces the other left-hander Marcus Treskothik.

01:04And he's good to see too. England move on 48 for two.

01:10Help the spinners around. He's done it this time.

01:14That's a magnificent shot. And what a way to bring up 4,000 runs in chess cricket for Graham Thorpe.

01:20Becomes the 22nd player to achieve that amazing landmark.

01:26Well played him.

01:29Very pleasing shot too.

01:31Swift footwork. Get to the pitch of the ball, down the ground, dead straight.

01:36Just watch the footwork here. He's played back up to now and then takes one chassis step down the ground.

01:51Good balance.

01:54Is that fielding position just a little bit deeper, square of the wicket.

01:58Up and over the top. Beautifully timed again by Thorpe.

02:07Don't worry about the rest.

02:08Muraleek.

02:10He's only human and once again,

02:12not much happening with the field.

02:14Mid-on just dropping back a little, just a touch.

02:17Mainly to this partnership.

02:19Worth 53 now.

02:22Oh, that's well bowled. Very well bowled by Muralithran.

02:27Thorpe just giving himself a little bit of room to try and hit through the offside.

02:30But it's beautifully flighted.

02:32That's the one he throws up above the eye level.

02:35Thorpe not quite to the pitch.

02:37I'm not sure it carried though.

02:48Wonderful urgency about England's batting.

02:51Controlled urgency.

02:52This is two balls ago, that beautifully blighted ball.

02:55It landed short of slip, I think.

02:59Just short.

03:02It's going to be led bys and probably four of them.

03:10That ball will race away across this parched brown outfield.

03:14Four led bys.

03:16Every run cheered now by the England contingent.

03:20Supporters are in good voice.

03:24Maybe just a few cracks for Muralee.

03:26They've been attacking him and he's felt very comfortable before when they're pushing forward.

03:31Now suddenly just strained down the leg side.

03:33That's unusual for him.

03:36Especially to the left hander.

03:37The ball had hit the stumps.

03:39Oh, great shot.

03:41His cover point just hanging back

03:43to save two, but he can't stop the four as Thorpe threads that through the offside field.

03:49What a way to bring up the 100.

03:50Fabulous shot.

03:52It really is because this spins a little bit and he's hit it flat back.

03:56He's allowed for a little bit of turn and it's absolutely raced away.

03:58Look how he's hit it a bit flat back.

04:00Let the ball go past him and that's why it's going to go square and you can see the spin on the ball.

04:06But that's a wonderful shot.

04:08Just let it go past him.

04:09He got the foot past it and really banged it through that gap.

04:12He had that in mind all the way from the general sketch there of the ground.

04:21Got her England cap as well.

04:29That's a great positive move by England.

04:31Using the feet and hitting over the top.

04:36No turn for Jaisar Aron.

04:37Good feet and good hands from Thorpe.

04:40Beautiful late cut for Thorpe.

04:43England still on the attack.

04:45Good use of the crease, Graham Thorpe.

04:48Just a little flatter.

04:49He knows it's not spinning nearly as much.

04:52But nicely back into position.

04:53And again, this trademark of Graham Thorpe's playing the ball very late.

04:59Almost past him.

05:00Well, it is past him.

05:02Couldn't play better than that.

05:04Try and disrupt the rhythm.

05:07Well, that's a great shot.

05:08That is a lovely stroke.

05:10It was overpitched and wide, but Thorpe waited and waited and waited and picked to stop.

05:16That's a lovely boundary.

05:19Terrific shot.

05:22I think we've got a five ball over here.

05:23I'm not quite sure of this.

05:25Again, getting the foot past the ball.

05:27And it's so important when it's a little bit of rough outside the off stump.

05:31You've got to let the ball go past you and just squeeze it out.

05:33See how the foot goes past the ball.

05:35That's the ball mark of Graham Thorpe, the lightness with which he plays the ball.

05:40Well, it was a five ball over.

05:52England, Nelson, 111 for two.

05:54Oh, and that was pretty close.

06:10Just outside the line.

06:11And the bat was quite close to it as well.

06:14Back comes Thorpe for the second.

06:16Leg by is given.

06:19Well, that's a good shot.

06:21Well, that's a good shot.

06:25Now, that's an example of the sort of initiative that England have been taking today.

06:28And on one knee and getting it away to mid wicket in a very positive manner.

06:58Well, Marcus Strzcothic, I think, tried this shot.

07:01This is the shot he was looking for, but...

07:02England, sir.

07:0437 for two at that stage.

07:11That won't reach the rope.

07:15And Thorpe's taking no risk with a third run.

07:17And a good job, too.

07:22144 for two.

07:28Thorpe's very quick between the wickets, but he took the decision not to take this third run.

07:42Throw winging its way right over the top.

07:45The spin.

07:46It's 50 for Graham Thorpe.

07:56Generous applause from this large crowd here at Kandy.

08:02He was England's master batsman in Pakistan.

08:04And he showed these Sri Lankans, too, that he's a top-class player.

08:1027 test fifties for Graham Thorpe.

08:15He'll be slightly disappointed that he's only turned seven of those into centuries.

08:20Been galloping along.

08:24That's beaten everybody.

08:25It'll be buys.

08:29Poor delivery from Dalmasina.

08:31Four more buys to England.

08:32Still had the best of days.

08:35Sangakara behind the stumps.

08:40He's a poor delivery.

08:41Sliding down the leg side.

08:43Evades everything.

08:45Graham Thorpe wanted a tickle on it.

08:46Didn't need it.

08:50England going well.

08:51Very, very well.

08:52162 for two.

08:56Once again, captains are sometimes reluctant to bowl.

08:59I think that's out.

09:04And it is out.

09:06Graham Thorpe on his way.

09:07Sanath Chaisa here.

09:08You're right.

09:09Maybe he should have bowled a lot more.

09:11The wicket that Sri Lanka needed.

09:13A good piece of ball in over the wicket from the skipper.

09:17He should have bowled well.

09:18Of course he should.

09:19He's only into his third over.

09:21Graham Thorpe walked off.

09:23And again, a ball that pitches and jumps.

09:27A little bit of action on the ball.

09:29There's the pitch.

09:30Just takes the inner edge.

09:32High inner edge of the bat.

09:33Onto the pad.

09:34Easy catch.

09:36No doubt about that one.

09:38Graham Thorpe walks off.

09:4159 for him.

09:43England lose the third wicket.

09:45204 for three.

09:50Graham Thorpe was one of the England's most reliable middle order best man.

09:54And his performances on subcontinent wickets were a testament to his solid technique.

09:59Mental toughness and adaptability.

10:01Batting in the subcontinent is a true test for any non-Asian player.

10:05Due to the spinning track, low bounce, and extreme heat.

10:08But Graham Thorpe handled these conditions with remarkable compoyers.

10:12He was not flamboyant, but he was incredibly effective.

10:15Graham Thorpe used quick footwork to get to the pitch of the ball or rocked back to play late,

10:21which helped him counter the threat of the top-quality spinners.

10:24He was patient and respected the condition and picked his moments to attack,

10:28often using soft hands to rotate the strike and relieve pressure.

10:32One of his standout qualities in the subcontinent was his ability to play spin with confidence.

10:38Whether it was Muthaya Murali Dharan in Sri Lanka or Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh in India,

10:43Graham Thorpe knew how to grind out an innings when needed.

10:47He did not panic under pressure and often built partnership that gave England a fighting chance.

10:53So in short, Graham Thorpe may not have been the most talk about overseas bassman in Asia,

10:58but he was one of the most dependable.

11:00A true grafter who valued time at the crease over flashy shots.

Graham Thrope 59 off 153 Balls 217 Mins 6 Fours vs Sri Lanka First Innings of 2nd Test, Kandy, March 07 - 11, 2001-1

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