England Honors Graham Thorpe Before Test Match Against Sri Lanka

England paid heartfelt tribute to former player and coach Graham Thorpe ahead of their first Test against Sri Lanka at Old Trafford. Both teams participated in a video tribute, which included a poem read by Michael Atherton and a moment of applause before the national anthems. Players from both sides wore black armbands in remembrance, with England committing to wear theirs throughout the Test. Thorpe tragically took his own life at the age of 55 after battling severe depression and anxiety, a struggle that had been public since a serious attempt on his life in May 2022. Thorpe, who played 100 Tests for England and scored 16 centuries, retired in 2005 after amassing 6,744 Test runs at an average of 44.66. He later served as England's batting coach until 2022. The Sri Lanka Test marks the first international match since his passing, although tributes have also been observed in domestic competitions like the Hundred. The cricket community has rallied to support mental health awareness, encouraging those in distress to reach out to organizations like the Samaritans and the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. As the match commenced, Jimmy Anderson rang the morning's five-minute bell, symbolizing both a moment of reflection and the enduring legacy of Thorpe. His family has shared insights into his struggles, emphasizing the joy he brought to the sport and the lives he touched. Former teammates, including Ian Bell and Nasser Hussain, recalled their memories with Thorpe, highlighting his role as a mentor and friend during both triumphs and challenges in their careers.