Star England batsman and former captain Joe Root paid tribute to the late English great Graham Thorpe, acknowledging the pivotal role Thorpe played in his own successful career with the Three Lions. Before the first Test match against Sri Lanka in Manchester on Wednesday, England players will honor Thorpe with a moment of applause. The teams will line up for this tribute before their national anthems at Old Trafford Stadium, with a tribute video also being shown on the big screen. Sky Sports will also pay tribute to Thorpe during their coverage.
Thorpe, who tragically passed away at the age of 55 on August 4, had struggled with “major depression and anxiety” for years. Making his international debut in 1993, Thorpe became a cornerstone of the English batting lineup in the late ’90s and early 2000s. He played 100 Tests, scoring 6744 runs at an average of 44.66, with 16 centuries and 39 half-centuries. In ODIs, he scored 2380 runs at an average of 37.18 with 21 half-centuries.
Root, who had the privilege of working closely with Thorpe during his time with England Lions and later with the senior team, praised Thorpe as a “complete batsman” and a key figure in his own development, especially in challenging conditions like those in the subcontinent.
Root shared, “He was one of the standout players of that era for England. He consistently performed well under pressure, even when results were not going our way, which is a remarkable quality. He excelled against both spin and pace, showcasing his versatility as a batsman. To me, he was like a rock star – always delivering when it mattered. I drew a lot of inspiration from him.”
Reflecting on his close relationship with Thorpe, Root emphasized the elder batsman’s influence on his career and his unwavering support throughout the years. He also highlighted Thorpe’s role in nurturing the next generation of England’s batting talent, including captain Ben Stokes.
Root expressed his gratitude for Thorpe’s coaching and how he tailored his approach to each player, enabling them to excel in different conditions. He credited Thorpe for instilling fundamental skills that have served him well, particularly in Asian conditions.
Recalling the off-field insights he gained from Thorpe, Root appreciated the personal bond they shared, describing it as “special” and emphasizing Thorpe’s ability to uplift and inspire players beyond just cricketing skills.
Root concluded by recognizing Thorpe’s dual legacy as both a phenomenal player and an outstanding coach who has left a lasting impact on English cricket.
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