Stokes Braced for Emotional Tribute to Late England Great Graham Thorpe

England captain Ben Stokes is preparing for an emotionally charged tribute to Graham Thorpe, whose legacy will be honoured during the second day of England’s fifth Test at The Oval against India.

Thorpe, who authored 6,744 Test runs across 100 matches, profoundly influenced players such as Stokes and Joe Root as both a coach and mentor after retiring in 2005. His passing on 4 August 2024 marked a tragic loss, and this tribute will fall precisely on the first anniversary of his death.

Stokes described the occasion as “special and emotional,” explaining that many in the current dressing room—including himself—spent formative years with Thorpe, both at England Lions and senior levels. This day will serve as a platform to show how much Thorpe meant to English cricket and his enduring impact on the team.

Why It Matters

Element	Significance
Emotional Weight	The tribute aligns with the anniversary of Thorpe’s death, delivering an emotional resonance for players and fans alike
Legacy Focus	Acknowledges Thorpe’s role in shaping modern England cricketers through coaching and mentoring
Mental Health Awareness	Reinforces Thorpe’s advocacy and personal struggles with depression, spotlighting his family's efforts to raise awareness

 

Ben Stokes isn’t just preparing for a Test match—he’s honoured a moment to remember a cherished mentor. On day two of The Oval Test, expect a heartfelt pause in cricketing routine as England pays tribute to one of their stalwarts.