Joe Root dedicates century to mentor Graham Thorpe in emotional tribute

Telegraph

a day ago

Joe Root paid an emotional tribute to the late Graham Thorpe, saying his touching celebration of his 39th Test hundred was a 'thank you' for everything his mentor had given English cricket.
Thorpe, who played 100 Tests and was one of the defining formative influences on Root and many other England players' careers as a coach, died by suicide a year ago on Monday.
Root was a pall-bearer at his funeral last August and has spoken movingly about his influence on his career, and celebrated his life when reaching an outstanding century.
Root tucked the ball into the leg side for two to bring up his third century of the series, removed his helmet, kissed the three lions badge, and raised his bat. He then took his gloves off and took out one of the headbands that have been on sale this week at The Oval, Thorpe's home ground, as part of a Surrey and England campaign that has raised more than £150,000 for Mind, the mental health charity. Root put the headband on, touched the logo and took an emotional look to the sky.
A 39th Test match for Joe Root 🙌✨
🎙️ "A truly magnificent cricketer in the form of his life" pic.twitter.com/dXeSbWXDC5
— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) August 3, 2025
Root revealed he had only had the headband tucked away since tea, which he took on 98, but added 'I wish I'd had it in my pocket from the start of my innings'.
He said: 'This week it's been amazing that Surrey and the ECB have recognised everything that he's done for English cricket as a player, a coach, a mentor, a friend, to the dressing room, to the game of cricket. That was on behalf of our team really, everything that he's given and sacrificed for English cricket. It's really great to see the amount of love there is for him and for his family as well.
'He's someone that has impacted my career personally a huge amount, and I think this week the amount of love and support there has been for him and his family, all the good that's come from it and all the money that's been raised as well. It's amazing, and it's special that sport can provide that. More than anything, it was just a thank you for everything he's given English cricket on and off the field.'
Root admitted that he was 'bitterly disappointed' to be dismissed soon for 105, not long before rain and bad light brought a shock early conclusion to proceedings at the Oval.
'I was frustrated to not get us over the line, that is what you pride yourself on as an experienced batter in that situation. Got to be able to absorb pressure and understand that they are allowed to bowl well. When you get your opportunities to counter that, you take them. I mis-executed and when you are 100 not out you don't expect that, which is where the frustration came from.'
GOT HIM! India are fighting!
Joe Root's wonderful innings comes to an end 🙌💯 pic.twitter.com/S72EcRZ9kx
— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) August 3, 2025
Play will resume on Monday morning, with the injured Chris Woakes poised to bat for England – if required. England need just 35 runs to win, but are six wickets down.
'It was always going to happen like this wasn't it,' smiled Root. 'The first four games, it's been that kind of series, amazing to play in and quite fitting that we will get that kind of finish tomorrow.
'We are in a really good position with a lot of batting left and two guys who are very capable of getting us home.
'I would like to think we have got what we need to get over the line tomorrow. It's been one hell of a series, one hell of a journey and there's confidence in our dressing room. We feel we have the players to get us across the line. It's been one of those series, five matches, six weeks that has swung both ways. I think we are in for a great day tomorrow.'
Woakes dislocated his shoulder on the opening day, has played no part in the game since and is facing a long stint on the sidelines when it ends. Nevertheless, he will bat tomorrow if required.
'He's in a huge amount of pain, but it means a huge amount to him,' Root said. 'He's willing to put his body on the line. Hopefully he doesn't have to.
'He was in his whites in the dressing room. He's all in like the rest of us, it's been that kind of game where guys have had to put bodies on the line. Hopefully it doesn't get down to that but he's had some throw downs and is ready if needed.'