Martin Crowe is one of the best batsmen in New Zealand history. Graham Thorpe is one of the best in the history of England. The Test series between the two countries has now been named the Crow-Thorpe Trophy to honor these two late batsmen.
The boards of the two countries have also spent time on trophies to give special status. It was assisted by the families of Crowe and Thorpe. The trophy is made from the bat portion of the two stars' playing careers.
The bat with which Thorpe scored his first two centuries against New Zealand in 1997 has been used in the creation of the trophy. And in Crowe's case, the bat that scored a century at Lord's in 1994 was taken.
Crowe, who scored five centuries against England, died in 2016. Thorpe, however, committed suicide earlier this year.
Speaking about the naming of the trophy, New Zealand Cricket chief Scott Winnink said, 'The current generation of players are now standing on the shoulders of predecessors like Graham and Crowe. It's good that we can recognize them and honor their legacy.'
England cricket chief Richard Gould, however, named Crowe, Thorpe as a legend of cricket. He also said that from now on, all future Test series in England and New Zealand will be held in their name.
The first Test of the three-match series will begin in Christchurch on Thursday.
