‘I owe him a lot’ - Joe Root dedicates 33rd Test hundred to Graham Thorpe

Senior England batter Joe Root dedicated his 33rd Test century to his former coach and mentor Graham Thorpe. The legendary cricketer, who represented England in 100 Test matches, took his own life earlier in the month. Remembering his contribution to making him a better player, Root pointed to the sky after completing his century in the second Test against Sri Lanka at Lord’s.

After the end of the day’s play, Root thanked Thorpe for helping him early in his career. The 33-year-old also noted that he wouldn’t have been the same player if not for Thorpe, who spent many years with Root as his batting coach. Meanwhile, England were 82/3 at one stage and were under tremendous pressure. That’s when Root stepped up and hit 143 runs, which helped the team post 358/7 at stumps on Day 1.

Also Read - Graham Thorpe passed away after being hit by train, reveals inquest

“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. 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 was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz.

'I was lucky to have someone like him' - Root on Thorpe

Notably, Thorpe advocated for Root’s inclusion in the national team. Root made his Test debut against India in 2012 and since then, the star batter has 144 Tests for the country. Soon after Root’s debut, Thorpe was appointed as England's batting coach, which helped the duo bond well. Remembering that, Root stated how Thorpe was always there for him, especially when things were not going well.

“You're always having to evolve as a player, and you need people that you can bounce ideas off, people that can take pressure off you in different ways, and know how to talk to you when things aren't going well - and also when they are going well. I was very lucky to have someone like him... he was the one guy that was constant throughout that 10, 11, 12-year period," Root said.

“I could go to him under pressure, and I have a really good understanding of my own game and it evolved into more: I became good friends, and I really enjoyed spending a lot of time with him. It was nice to pay a small tribute. It's nothing, but he means a lot to me - and that was a small thank you,” he added.