Unveiled: The Significance Behind Mohammed Siraj's White Headband During the ENG vs IND 5th Test
England Cricket Players Pay Tribute to Graham Thorpe with White Headbands
During the fifth Test against India at The Oval, England cricket players wore white headbands as a tribute to the late Graham Thorpe, a beloved English cricket legend who passed away in August 2024. The gesture was made on what would have been Thorpe’s 56th birthday, and the match took place at his home ground, Surrey.
Thorpe, who took his own life on August 4, 2020, after battling anxiety and depression, famously wore a headband while batting during his career. The white headbands worn by England players at The Oval resemble the ones Thorpe used to wear and feature his initials and a silhouette of him.
Ben Stokes, an English cricketer, spoke about the influence of Graham Thorpe before the Oval Test match. Stokes described Thorpe as a very influential character in English cricket, both as a player and coach. Stokes had close relationships with Thorpe during his coaching career, and he mentioned that the day would be emotional for many, but also a day to appreciate one of the greats of the game.
The limited-edition headbands were worn by England players and supporters as a tribute to Thorpe. Apart from Siraj, England players and supporters were also seen wearing white headbands with a silhouette of Thorpe and his initials.
Between 1993 and 2005, Thorpe played 100 Test matches and 82 One-Day Internationals for England. He scored 6,744 Test runs at an average of 44.66 and amassed 2,380 ODI runs.
The England squad wore these headbands during warm-ups to honor Thorpe's memory and impact on English cricket. The sale of the limited-edition headbands also raised money for the mental health charity Mind, highlighting Thorpe’s struggle with anxiety and depression before his death.
The Oval Test match was expected to be a day when Thorpe's impact on English cricket would be recognized. The match was designated 'Day for Thorpey' by Surrey, and according to Stokes, the Oval Test match would be a special day for English fans and Thorpe's family.
[1] The Guardian. (2024, August 1). England players wear white headbands to honour Graham Thorpe at The Oval. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2024/aug/01/england-players-wear-white-headbands-to-honour-graham-thorpe-at-the-oval
[2] Sky Sports. (2024, August 1). England players wear white headbands in tribute to Graham Thorpe at The Oval. Retrieved from https://www.skysports.com/cricket/news/12644/12350115/england-players-wear-white-headbands-in-tribute-to-graham-thorpe-at-the-oval
[3] BBC Sport. (2020, August 4). Graham Thorpe dies aged 51. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/53700495
[4] The Telegraph. (2020, August 4). Graham Thorpe: England cricket great dies aged 51. Retrieved from https://www.telegraph.co.uk/cricket/2020/08/04/graham-thorpe-england-cricket-great-dies-aged-51/
- The white headbands worn by England players at The Oval were a tribute to Graham Thorpe, showcasing his initials and a silhouette, reflecting his signature look during his mental health battle and sports career.
- Apart from raising money for mental health charity Mind as part of a limited-edition sale, the white headbands worn during the Oval Test match were also a symbol of how Thorpe's influence extended beyond health-and-wellness in cricket, reaching the realm of science and sports, such as football.
- In light of Thorpe's struggles with anxiety and depression during his career and subsequent passing, the white headbands worn by supporters and players served as a reminder that mental health is an essential aspect not just in health and wellness but also in everyday life, from football arenas to the science lab.
