England skipper Ben Stokes, who just isn’t taking part in decisive the fifth and remaining Take a look at between England and India on the iconic Kia Oval, has deliberate an emotional tribute on Day 2 of the sport to former cricketer and coach Graham Thorpe, who handed away final 12 months on the age of 55 after reportedly combating psychological well being points.
England to honour Graham Thorpe throughout on Day 2 of Oval Take a look at
Stokes mirrored on the lasting impression of Thorpe, describing him as a massively influential determine in English cricket each as a participant and a coach. He famous that a number of gamers within the present England squad had spent vital time with Thorpe whereas coming by way of the ranks and valued his presence within the dressing room through the years.
“A Day for Thorpey”, a tribute to the late cricketer, can be held on Friday, August 1, in the course of the fifth Take a look at at The Oval. The day coincides with what would have been Thorpe’s 56th birthday and goals to boost consciousness and assist for the psychological well being charity Thoughts. The event is predicted to be an emotional second for Thorpe’s household, followers, and the broader cricket group as they honour his legacy.
“Thorpey’s been a really influential character as a participant and a coach in English cricket. It’s going to be a special occasion for all English followers, a special occasion for his household to see how a lot he meant to English cricket and the way a lot he means to the present England dressing room. A couple of of us in that dressing room spent quite a lot of time with him coming by way of the ranks and, as we acquired into the primary (England) staff Thorpey spent quite a lot of years round us,” Stokes mentioned within the press convention.
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Thorpe died final 12 months battling psychological well being struggles
Thorpe was certainly one of England’s most revered batters and coaches, tragically handed away final 12 months at 55. As confirmed by his household, Thorpe took his personal life after combating extreme psychological well being challenges. He had been coping with nervousness and bodily well being issues in his remaining months. A left-handed middle-order mainstay, Thorpe performed 100 Assessments for England, scoring 6,744 runs at a mean of 44.66, and featured in 82 ODIs. After retirement, he grew to become a outstanding coach, mentoring the nationwide facet’s batters for over a decade and later becoming a member of Afghanistan’s setup in 2022. His sudden loss despatched shockwaves by way of the cricket world, prompting heartfelt tributes from gamers and former teammates alike.
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