Reason Behind England Cricket Players Wearing White Headbands During the Second Day of the Oval Test against India
England's cricket community is paying a heartfelt tribute to one of their own, Graham Thorpe, who tragically passed away due to suicide in August 2024. Thorpe, a former England Test batter, was a respected figure in the sport, having scored 6,744 runs at an impressive average of 44.66 in 100 Tests.
During the fifth Test against India, England players and officials wore white headbands adorned with "GT," a nod to Thorpe's trademark look of removing his helmet after scoring a century. This tribute, known as "A Day for Thorpey," was initiated by his wife and daughters and aims to raise funds for the mental health charity Mind. The headbands are available for purchase at the venue, with all proceeds going towards the charity.
The initiative, named "Thorpey’s Bat and Chat," uses cricket as a platform to promote mental wellbeing and create a supportive space for those struggling with mental health issues. Thorpe, a beloved figure in English cricket, was not only an accomplished Test batsman but also served as a coach for England and Surrey before his passing.
The white headbands serve as a symbol of commemoration for Thorpe's contribution to English cricket, as well as a call to action in raising awareness about mental health. Thorpe's family continues to share their experiences to help others who may have gone through similar struggles.
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Remembering Graham Thorpe, a true cricket legend and a shining light in the fight against mental health stigma.
[1] BBC News, "England cricket players wear white headbands in tribute to Graham Thorpe," 5 September 2024. [2] The Guardian, "England players to wear white headbands in tribute to Graham Thorpe," 5 September 2024. [3] Sky Sports, "England players to wear white headbands in tribute to Graham Thorpe," 5 September 2024. [4] The Telegraph, "England players to wear white headbands in tribute to Graham Thorpe," 5 September 2024. [5] The Independent, "England players to wear white headbands in tribute to Graham Thorpe," 5 September 2024.
The England cricket community is using this year's series against India as a platform to promote mental health awareness, following the tragic passing of former player and coach, Graham Thorpe, who took his life in August 2024. To commemorate Thorpe's life and legacy, players and officials are wearing white headbands with "GT" emblems, and the initiative, "Thorpey’s Bat and Chat," aims to raise funds for Mind, a health-and-wellness charity that focuses on mental health. Engaged sports fans can purchase these headbands at the venue, support the cause, and join the fight against mental health stigma in much the same way that science and health-and-wellness communities do.
