Joe Root Honors Mentor Graham Thorpe After 39th Test Century

Joe Root honored his late mentor Graham Thorpe with a deeply emotional tribute upon reaching his 39th Test century during the fifth Test between England and India at The Oval. Root celebrated by wearing a white headband, a symbolic gesture reflecting Thorpe's own iconic 2002 innings, and looked skyward in remembrance, highlighting the profound impact Thorpe had on his career as a player, coach, and friend. Thorpe, who passed away by suicide in 2024 after struggling with depression, was widely respected for his contributions to English cricket both on and off the field. The tribute was shared by the entire English team and was part of broader efforts by Surrey and the ECB to honor Thorpe’s legacy and raise funds for mental health through the sale of similar headbands. Root's century also marked a career milestone as he moved into fourth place on the all-time list of Test hundreds, surpassing Kumar Sangakkara. The emotional moment underscored the close bonds within cricket and the lasting influence of mentors beyond the game itself.