New Delhi: England’s stand-in Test captain Ollie Pope said they are preparing a grand tribute for the late great Graham Thorpe before the beginning of the first Test against Sri Lanka at Old Trafford on Wednesday.
Thorpe passed away aged 55 earlier this month, his wife later conforming that he committed suicide after being hit by a train, having battled depression for several years.
To honour the stylish left hander, England will observe a minute’s silence before the start of the match with videos of his career beamed on giant screen as well as wear black armbands throughout the duration of the five-day game.
After retiring as a one of the leading batters of his country during his generation, Thorpe had also worked as England’s assistant coach.
Pope succeeded Thorpe in the England set-up and will lead the team in the absence of Ben Stokes, who is out with an injury.
‘Sad loss’
“We’ll have our black armbands on throughout the course of the game and there’ll be a tribute to him before the game,” Pope said at a pre-match media interaction, as quoted by AFP.
“It’s hurt a lot of people in that changing room. He was a great man. I probably had two or three years playing with him as a batting coach and, as a person, I really admired him.”
Pope recalled the tips Thorpe gave him and how much he benefitted from them, adding that the former left hander would be dearly missed.
“I always remember him saying one thing to me which was, ‘Never let the runs you’re scoring define you as a person’. When you’re young, in a bit of a rut, that was exactly what I needed to hear,” the 26-year-old said.
“It shows for me what a people’s person he was. He was loved in the changing room. He’s such a sad loss to everyone, to the country, his family and the boys as well. He’s missed and we’ll honour him this week.”
Graham Thorpe passed away aged 55 earlier this month, his wife later conforming that he committed suicide after being hit by a train, having battled depression for several years. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
