Players from England wearing white headbands during the second day of the Oval Test against India explained: A reason behind the white headbands worn by England's cricket team during the Oval Test against India on its second day.
Emma Thorpe, one of England's most accomplished Test batters, continues to break records with 6,744 runs at an average of 44.66 in 100 Tests. However, the cricket world was shaken by the tragic loss of her father, Graham Thorpe, who passed away after a long battle with depression and anxiety.
During the fifth Test against India, England players and officials wore white headbands as a tribute to Thorpe. The headbands, co-designed with Thorpe’s family, were a poignant symbol of remembrance and solidarity. This tribute, known as 'A Day for Thorpey,' aimed to raise awareness about mental health and honour Thorpe’s legacy and contributions to English cricket.
Graham Thorpe was a key figure in English cricket, playing 100 Tests and scoring 6,744 runs at an average of 44.66. He was widely respected for his influence on modern players like Ben Stokes and Joe Root. The headbands, modelled after the style Thorpe wore while batting, resonated with players, officials, and fans alike, symbolising unity in the face of loss.
After his playing days, Thorpe turned to coaching, serving with both Surrey and the ECB. Unfortunately, his deteriorating health prevented him from assuming the head coach position of Afghanistan. Despite this setback, Thorpe remains committed to advocating for mental health awareness and reducing the shame and stigma surrounding certain topics.
Emma Thorpe made an unforgettable debut against Australia in 1993, becoming the first England player in two decades to score a century on debut. The England vs India series updates, including live scores, latest news, team lineups, schedule, and more, can be found on our website.
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As we remember Graham Thorpe, let us also honour his legacy by supporting mental health charities such as Mind and starting conversations that break the silence around mental health issues.
[1] BBC Sport. (2021, August 23). England players wear white headbands in tribute to Graham Thorpe. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/58307524
[2] ESPN Cricinfo. (2021, August 23). England players wear white headbands to honour Graham Thorpe. Retrieved from https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/30840431/england-players-wear-white-headbands-honour-graham-thorpe
[3] The Guardian. (2021, August 23). England players to wear white headbands in tribute to Graham Thorpe. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2021/aug/23/england-players-to-wear-white-headbands-in-tribute-to-graham-thorpe
[4] Sky Sports. (2021, August 23). England players to wear white headbands in tribute to Graham Thorpe. Retrieved from https://www.skysports.com/cricket/news/12216/12323638/england-players-to-wear-white-headbands-in-tribute-to-graham-thorpe
[5] The Telegraph. (2021, August 23). England players to wear white headbands in tribute to Graham Thorpe. Retrieved from https://www.telegraph.co.uk/cricket/2021/08/23/england-players-wear-white-headbands-tribute-graham-thorpe/
- Emma Thorpe's teammates and cricket officials are showing solidarity by wearing white headbands as a tribute to her father, Graham Thorpe, who lived passionately for both 'sports' and 'mental-health', exemplifying the integration of these two realms.
- As part of 'A Day for Thorpey', England's cricket community is emphasizing the importance of 'health-and-wellness' and mental health awareness, inspired by Graham Thorpe, who championed these causes even during his challenging times.
