Did Joe Root Honor Graham Thorpe After His 39th Century?
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Synopsis
In a poignant moment during the fifth Test, Joe Root achieved his 39th century and dedicated it to Graham Thorpe, highlighting mental health awareness in cricket. His tribute, marked by a symbolic bandana, resonated deeply with fans and sparked conversations about the pressures athletes face today.
Key Takeaways
- Joe Root scored his 39th Test century.
- He paid tribute to Graham Thorpe, raising awareness for mental health.
- Root wore a bandana and honored Thorpe's legacy during the match.
- Thorpe was a key figure in England cricket from the mid-90s to 2005.
- Mental health is a growing concern in professional sports.
London, Aug 3 (NationPress) Veteran England batsman Joe Root on Sunday achieved his 39th Test century, dedicating this milestone to former England player Graham Thorpe, who tragically passed away by suicide on August 4, 2024. Root honored Thorpe, whose birthday was celebrated just two days earlier, by wearing a bandana reminiscent of Thorpe's signature style during the fourth day of the fifth Test for the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy at The Oval.
In a pivotal moment, Root steadied the England second innings and formed a significant partnership with Harry Brook (who made 111), as they combined for a remarkable 195-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Root reached his century with a double in the 60th over, delivered by Akash Deep, completing the feat in just 137 balls and striking 12 fours.
What truly resonated with England supporters was Root's heartfelt tribute post-century, which was dedicated to his former teammate and coach.
Root kissed the emblem on his helmet and raised his bat in response to the crowd's applause, then picked up the 'Graham Thorpe headband', donned it, and pointed skyward.
Thorpe was a key figure in England's batting lineup, excelling in both red-ball and white-ball formats from the mid-90s until his retirement in 2005. Post-retirement, he served as the batting coach for the England Test team until he and other support staff were let go following England's 0-4 loss in the Ashes series of 2021-22.
At 55, Thorpe's death by stepping in front of a train was publicly attributed to mental health challenges by his family, aiming to raise awareness on this critical issue.
Root's tribute following his century emphasizes the growing importance of addressing mental health concerns in cricket, particularly given the demanding lifestyle modern players face across various formats of the game.
Point of View
I recognize the significance of Joe Root's tribute to Graham Thorpe. This moment not only commemorates a legendary cricketer but also serves as a crucial reminder of the mental health challenges faced by athletes today. Raising awareness on such issues is essential for the well-being of players in the high-pressure world of cricket.
NationPress
19/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Joe Root's achievement in the fifth Test?
Joe Root scored his 39th Test century during the fifth Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.
Who did Joe Root honor with his century?
Root paid tribute to former England cricketer Graham Thorpe, who passed away in 2024.
How did Root honor Thorpe?
He wore a bandana in Thorpe's style and pointed to the sky after his century.
What impact did Thorpe have on cricket?
Graham Thorpe was a prominent batsman for England and later served as a batting coach.
Why is mental health awareness important in cricket?
Mental health awareness is crucial as athletes face increasing pressures from the sport's demands.
