On Friday, 1 August 2025, as the sun dipped behind the historic pavilion at The Oval, a silence fell over the crowd—not of boredom, but of reverence. The fifth Test between England and India had paused for something far bigger than runs or wickets. It was A Day for Thorpey, a tribute to Graham Thorpe, the former England batter and coach who died by suicide on 4 August 2024, just days before his 56th birthday. The ground, his home for 17 seasons with Surrey County Cricket Club, became a cathedral of memory.
A Ground That Knew Him Best
Thorpe didn’t just play at The Oval—he lived there. From 1988 to 2005, he carved out a reputation as one of England’s most elegant, cerebral batsmen. His 6,744 Test runs at 44.66, 16 centuries, and that unforgettable debut ton against Australia in 1993 weren’t just stats; they were stories etched into the turf. When his wife Amanda and daughter Emma walked onto the field to ring the bell ahead of play, the entire stadium rose. No one sat down. Not even the Indian players. It was the kind of moment that doesn’t need commentary—it only needs presence.
White headbands, co-designed with Thorpe’s family, were everywhere. Players from both teams wore them. Fans clutched them. Even the broadcasters had them pinned to their lapels. They were sold for £5 each at the ground and online through Mind’s shop and eBay store, starting 21 July 2025. Text donations—THORPEY5, THORPEY10, THORPEY20 to 70255—poured in. By tea on day two, the campaign had already surpassed £100,000. "Thank you to everybody who has supported," read England Cricket’s social media post. But the money wasn’t just about raising funds. It was about breaking the silence.
The Quiet Man Who Changed the Game
Thorpe wasn’t the flashiest. He didn’t celebrate with fist pumps or bat flips. He was the man who stood at the crease like a philosopher, waiting for the right ball, the right moment. Former England captain Nasser Hussain called him "a tough cricketer, outstanding team-mate." He added: "If you asked fans and teammates who’d be in your favorite XI, a lot of people would say Graham." And yet, behind that calm exterior, he struggled. His death wasn’t sudden—it was the culmination of a long, private battle with depression, something his family chose to speak about openly, hoping to spare others the same isolation.
Dr. Sarah Hughes, CEO of Mind, put it plainly: "The courage shown by his family in talking openly about Graham’s death... continues to be inspirational." She noted that funds would also go toward creating mental health resources for cricket coaches at every level—from junior clubs to the national setup. "It’s not just about elite athletes," she said. "It’s about the people who shape them."
Root’s Century, Root’s Tribute
By day four, England were chasing 374. They were 317-4 at tea. Joe Root, 34, had been quiet for most of the innings. Then came the 98th run. A flick off the pads from Akash Deep, a quick turn, and the ball raced to the boundary. He reached his 39th Test century. And then—he did something no one expected.
He took off his helmet. Pulled a white headband from his pocket. Slipped it on. Looked up to the sky. Raised his hand. The crowd roared—not just for the century, but for the man it honored. Root later admitted: "I wish I had it in my pocket from the start. I put it there at tea." He’d served as a pallbearer at Thorpe’s funeral. "He was a rock star," Root said, voice cracking. "Not because he shouted. Because he showed up. Every day. Even when no one was watching."
And then, the most unexpected gesture: Mohammed Siraj, India’s fiery fast bowler, walked out for the next over wearing the same headband. No announcement. No press release. Just respect. Across the divide of nations, cricket became a bridge.
The Ripple Effect
The legacy of Thorpe is no longer just about technique or averages. It’s about the quiet spaces between the noise. Oli Slipper, chair of Surrey County Cricket Club, said: "It feels apt to remember and celebrate his life at his home ground." And it did. Because Thorpe didn’t just play for Surrey—he shaped its culture. His coaching stints with England and Afghanistan were marked by patience, not pressure. He was let go after the 2021-22 Ashes loss, a period when mental health support in cricket was still treated as an afterthought. Now, it’s front and center.
Alec Stewart, his former teammate and mentor, wrote in the 2025 Wisden Almanack: "When Graham eventually started a coaching role with England, he’d often come and see me in my office... we’d spend hours discussing players he or I rated highly." Those conversations weren’t tactical. They were human. He noticed when a young batter was quiet. When a veteran was tired. When someone needed to talk, not train.
What’s Next?
The campaign isn’t over. Headbands are still available online. Text donations continue. Mind is rolling out mental health toolkits for county clubs by next season. England Cricket has pledged to make mental health training mandatory for all coaches. And The Oval? It will install a permanent plaque near the players’ entrance: "Graham Thorpe—1969–2024. A great batsman. A better man."
For the first time in years, cricket’s loudest moments aren’t about sixes or celebrations. They’re about silence. About remembering. About saying: It’s okay not to be okay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Joe Root wear the headband during his century?
Root wore the white headband as a personal tribute to Graham Thorpe, who died by suicide in 2024. Root had served as a pallbearer at Thorpe’s funeral and described him as a "rock star" for his quiet strength. He kept the headband in his pocket during the innings and only put it on after reaching his 39th Test century, signaling that the moment was as much about honoring Thorpe as it was about personal achievement.
How much money was raised for Mind, and how was it collected?
Over £100,000 was raised through the "A Day for Thorpey" campaign. Funds came from the sale of £5 white headbands at The Oval and via pre-orders on shop.mind.org.uk and the Mind eBay store. Supporters could also donate by texting THORPEY5, THORPEY10, or THORPEY20 to 70255. All proceeds go to Mind, with a portion dedicated to creating mental health resources for cricket coaches at all levels.
Why was The Oval chosen for the tribute?
The Oval was Graham Thorpe’s home ground during his 17-year playing career with Surrey County Cricket Club (1988–2005). It was where he scored many of his most iconic innings and where he later coached. Choosing the venue honored his deep connection to the club and the city, making the tribute feel personal and authentic rather than symbolic.
Did other players from India participate in the tribute?
Yes. Indian fast bowler Mohammed Siraj wore the same white headband during play, a spontaneous gesture of solidarity that moved both teams and spectators. No official request was made—it was a personal decision, underscoring how Thorpe’s legacy transcended national rivalries and resonated across the global cricket community.
What impact has this had on cricket’s approach to mental health?
England Cricket has pledged to make mental health training mandatory for all coaches, and Mind is developing tailored support materials for county clubs. The campaign has shifted the conversation from reactive crisis management to proactive, systemic support—especially for coaches who often bear the emotional weight of player welfare without adequate resources themselves.
Who was Graham Thorpe beyond his stats?
Beyond his 100 Test caps and 6,744 runs, Thorpe was known as a mentor who noticed when players were struggling. Former teammates recall him quietly checking in on young cricketers, offering advice without fanfare. He was described as humble, thoughtful, and deeply loyal—qualities that made his death from depression all the more shocking. His legacy is now defined not just by what he did on the pitch, but by the lives he helped save off it.