The New Zealand and England cricket teams will soon compete for the newly introduced Crowe-Thorpe Trophy. This trophy will make its debut before the first test of their upcoming series. Both the New Zealand Cricket (NZC) and England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced this special trophy, which is set to honor the rivalry between these two nations in a new and meaningful way.
A Tribute to Cricket Legends
The Crowe-Thorpe Trophy is named after two great cricketers: Martin Crowe from New Zealand and Graham Thorpe from England. Crowe was known as one of New Zealand’s greatest batters, with a career average of 45.36 and 17 centuries. Thorpe, an English cricket legend, scored 16 centuries, averaging 44.66. This trophy celebrates the amazing careers of these two legends, who left a lasting mark on the game.
Unique Design and Creation
The Crowe-Thorpe Trophy is not just any ordinary trophy. It is made from the bats used by Crowe and Thorpe during memorable moments in their careers. The trophy was designed by David Ngawati, the same artist who created the Tangiwai Shield for New Zealand’s test series against South Africa. The bats used hold great significance, with Thorpe’s bat being the one he used for his first two centuries against New Zealand in 1997, and Crowe’s bat being the one he used to score a century at Lord’s in 1994.
When and Where
The first test match for the Crowe-Thorpe Trophy will take place in Christchurch on November 28. This will be the first of a three-test series between New Zealand and England. Deb Crowe, Martin Crowe’s sister, and Michael Atherton, a former England captain, will unveil the trophy just before the game begins.
Collaboration Behind the Trophy
The Crowe-Thorpe Trophy was made possible through collaboration between the NZC, ECB, and the families of Crowe and Thorpe. Both cricket boards are excited about this initiative and thankful for the contributions of these two cricket legends. According to a statement from NZC, the Crowe-Thorpe Trophy will be a lasting tribute to both men, keeping their legacy alive in every future test series between the two countries.
NZC and ECB Statements
Both cricket boards are proud of this new chapter in their rivalry. NZC shared how the bat used by Thorpe was gifted by his family, while Crowe’s bat was contributed by his family. The bats themselves have special meaning, tied to key moments in each player’s career. ECB’s Chief Executive, Richard Gould, called Martin Crowe and Graham Thorpe “legends of the game,” expressing that it is fitting for their names to be linked to test series between England and New Zealand.
Test Series Schedule
| Match Number | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Test | November 28 | Christchurch |
| 2nd Test | December 6 | Wellington |
| 3rd Test | December 14 | Auckland |
The upcoming test series promises to be a memorable one, as the Crowe-Thorpe Trophy adds a new layer of excitement to the rivalry between New Zealand and England. This tribute to two cricket icons is sure to inspire both teams to give their best, as they compete for this prestigious prize.
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