England’s Joe Root expressed heartfelt gratitude towards his former coach Graham Thorpe as England faced a tense situation at The Oval. Root, along with Harry Brook, showcased remarkable performances with the bat, propelling England to within 35 runs of their 374-run target in the closing stages of the Rothesay Test.
Root, who notched up his third century of the series with a flawless 105, highlighted the possibility of injured all-rounder Chris Woakes stepping in to bat despite his dislocated left shoulder, aiming to secure a 3-1 series victory.
In a poignant moment, Root honored Thorpe by donning a white headband, a symbol associated with the late mentor. Fans generously contributed £150,000 to the mental health charity Mind in memory of Thorpe, who tragically passed away at 55. Root’s gesture symbolized the significant impact Thorpe had on his career and the entire team’s admiration for him.
Reflecting on the match, Root praised the team’s unity in honoring Thorpe’s legacy and emphasized the importance of the entire squad’s support. As England geared up for a challenging run chase, Root acknowledged the potential role Woakes might play despite his injury, underscoring the team’s determination to clinch the series.
With anticipation building for the final day of the Test, Root expressed confidence in the team’s abilities to secure a memorable victory. The match’s unpredictable nature mirrored the series’ overall excitement, setting the stage for a thrilling conclusion. The team remained optimistic about their chances, emphasizing the depth of talent within the squad and the opportunity to finish the series on a high note.
