Joe Root has paid homage to the late Graham Thorpe by dedicating his 33rd Test century to the legendary England cricketer. In an emotional statement following his remarkable innings against Sri Lanka at Lord’s in the second Test, Root expressed just how much Thorpe’s mentorship meant to him both professionally and personally.
Graham Thorpe tragically took his own life earlier this month after battling depression, leaving a deep void in the cricketing world. Root emphasized that Thorpe was more than just a mentor; he was a friend whose influence helped shape him into the player he is today. “I’ve been very lucky to work with a lot of people, whether it be senior players, coaches, mentors, and Thorpey was one of those people who offered me so much,” Root said after his majestic 143 run knock.
Root’s century was more than just another milestone. It was a tribute to the efforts and endless belief that Thorpe had in him. The England skipper revealed details about how Thorpe had noticed him early in his career and fast-tracked his development. “The first time I came across him was a second-team game at Stamford Bridge for Yorkshire against Surrey in 2010. The following year, I made my way into the County Championship team and he was involved with the England Lions,” Root reminisced.
Thorpe’s keen eye for talent and unwavering faith in Root’s abilities were crucial during the budding stages of Root’s career. “Before I’d even made a hundred at first-class level, he picked me for a Lions game against Sri Lanka at Scarborough. He saw something in me, and pushed hard for me to go away that winter and work with him,” Root revealed. The pair worked tirelessly on improving Root’s game against both spin and pace bowling. This tailored guidance became the cornerstone of Root’s future successes.
Root elaborated on how Thorpe’s mentorship played a pivotal role in refining the technical aspects of his batting. “We worked tirelessly on my game against spin – being able to get close to the ball, get away from it, utilizing different sweeps – and also against pace.
… working very hard to make sure that those areas of the game which are different to county cricket, you are up to speed with,” he said. This rigorous coaching equipped Root with the tools needed to excel at the highest levels of international cricket.
The outpouring of respect and admiration for Thorpe from Root is a testament to the significant impact Thorpe had on English cricket, especially on the younger generation of players. Root’s heartfelt words highlight not just a professional relationship but a deeply personal bond. “It was nice to be able to think of him (Thorpe) in that moment. He’s someone I’m sorely going to miss, and who I owe a lot to. He put a lot into my game, into my career, and without his help I definitely wouldn’t be where I am now,” Root stated.
Root’s century also marks a series of milestone achievements, underscoring his consistent performance and significant contributions to the game. Root recently surpassed two West Indies legends in different records with his half-century against Sri Lanka and has leapfrogged cricket stalwarts such as Rohit Sharma, Steve Smith, and Kane Williamson with his 49th international hundred.
The cricketing community has not only lost a legend in Thorpe but also a mentor who had a profound impact on the lives and careers of many players. Root’s tribute encapsulates the invaluable contributions of Thorpe, not just on the field but off it as well, as a guide, friend, and mentor.
Thorpe’s legacy endures in the players he coached, mentored, and inspired. As Root continues to notch up records and deliver stellar performances, his tribute serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of mentorship and the indelible mark a great mentor can leave on an individual’s life and career.
In conclusion, Joe Root’s heartfelt dedication of his record-shattering century to Graham Thorpe encapsulates the essence of their relationship and the critical role Thorpe played in Root’s professional journey. The cricketing world mourns Thorpe’s loss but celebrates his enduring legacy through the success of players like Root, who stand testament to his incredible mentorship.
