By England and India’s fifth Test at The Oval will feature a special tribute to former England cricketer Graham Thorpe, who passed away last year. The second day of the match, scheduled for August 1, will be dedicated to celebrating Thorpe’s legacy and raising awareness about mental health, under a commemorative event titled Day for Thorpey.
August 1 would have marked Thorpe’s 56th birthday. The tribute is being led by his family in partnership with the mental health charity Mind, and aims to spark national conversation around grief, suicide awareness, and emotional wellbeing in sport and beyond.
As part of the tribute, fans and players will wear specially designed headbands, created in collaboration with Thorpe’s wife Amanda and daughters Kitty and Emma. The design reflects Thorpe’s iconic look during his cricketing career and symbolizes unity and support for mental health causes.
Honouring a Modern Great
Graham Thorpe remains one of England’s finest middle-order batters of the modern era. He represented England in 100 Tests, scoring 6,744 runs at an average of 44.66, including a debut century against Australia at Trent Bridge in 1993. Post-retirement, he transitioned into coaching and served as a key member of England’s coaching setup, including during the 2021–22 Ashes series.
His coaching career was cut short following a difficult period during and after the Covid-restricted Ashes tour. Although he was later named head coach of Afghanistan, health challenges prevented him from taking on the role.
Also Read: England Name XI for 4th Test Against India as Liam Dawson Returns
Mental Health in Focus
The Day for Thorpey will not only pay tribute to Thorpe’s contribution to cricket, but also raise funds for Mind’s mental health programs, including a community initiative called Thorpey’s Bat and Chat. This program, first launched in Burton-on-Trent, uses cricket as a platform for mental health support and aims to expand across the UK.
Family members have spoken openly about Thorpe’s struggles in an effort to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and suicide. Through this initiative, they hope to support others facing similar challenges and encourage more open conversations within the cricketing community.
A Meaningful Tribute at a Historic Venue
The Kia Oval, Thorpe’s home ground during his career with Surrey, provides a fitting backdrop for this heartfelt tribute. With England hosting India in a high-stakes Test match, the occasion is expected to receive widespread attention both on and off the field.
The Day for Thorpey reflects cricket’s growing role in supporting mental health awareness, and ensures that Graham Thorpe’s legacy continues to inspire both on the pitch and beyond.
