IND vs ENG 5th Test: Why are players and fans wearing white headbands at The Oval?

The England players walked out wearing white headbands on Day 2 of the fifth Test at The Oval, a touching tribute to former England batter Graham Thorpe. Fans in the stands joined in too, many sporting the same headbands that Thorpe made iconic during his playing days. The gesture was part of a special day dedicated to Thorpe, who passed away on August 4, 2024. August 1 marks his birth anniversary, and the occasion is being used to raise awareness about mental health — a cause close to Thorpe and his family.

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Thorpe, who played 100 Tests for England, was known for his grit and calm presence in the middle order. He scored 6,744Test runs and was also an important figure in English domestic cricket with Surrey.

After retirement, he served as a coach with several teams as well.

On the field, Josh Tongue started proceedings for England. India resumed on 204/6, after a mixed Day 1 under overcast skies. Recalled pacers Gus Atkinson and Tongue had done the damage early, while Shubman Gill was run out after a promising start. India’s assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate described the day as “fair,” and highlighted the importance of lower-order resistance from Karun Nair and Washington Sundar.

The day, however, belonged to Thorpe, both as a cricketer and a symbol for a larger cause.