England Players Wear White Headbands on Day 2 of Oval Test: Know the Reason

The fifth Test between India and England at The Oval began under cloudy skies. Day 1 of the match was rain-affected, with only 64 overs bowled. But even with several interruptions, fans saw a mix of some fine bowling and patient batting. It was a classical Test match in England with some overcast skies defining the day.

Batting first, India lost early wickets, slipping to 153 for 6 at one stage. But a solid partnership followed. Karun Nair and Washington Sundar batted with calmness and focus. They added an unbeaten 51-run stand for the seventh wicket. This helped India recover and finish Day 1 at 204 for 6. Sundar is an excellent bowler but is also one of the best all-rounders in India at the moment.

Karun Nair, who has impressed everyone with his knock. He ended the day unbeaten on 52 off 98 balls. This was a special moment for him, as it was his first Test half-century since December 2016. His last big score came in the form of a memorable triple century against England in Chennai.

Reason Behind England White Headbands During IND vs ENG 5th Test

As Day 2 began, the atmosphere at the Oval felt different. There was more than just cricket on people’s minds. All the England players and support staff came out wearing white headbands, leaving fans at the ground curious.

The white headbands were not a random choice. They hold a special meaning, a tribute to someone who left a big mark on English cricket. August 1 is a significant day. It would have been the 56th birthday of former England batter Graham Thorpe had he been alive. The day is now being marked as “A Day for Thorpey”, a celebration of his life and his contributions to the game.

Graham Thorpe was regarded as one of the best batters in the world during his playing days. Thorpe passed away last August at the age of 55. He had been struggling with health and mental wellbeing for some time. His final years were hard, especially including a tough period during the Covid-impacted Ashes tour in 2021-22, where he was part of England’s coaching staff.

Thorpe’s wife Amanda shared that the Covid restrictions were tough on him. “Working in the Covid bubbles, he found that tough. He wasn’t great at following rules at the best of times,” she said.

Who Designed White Headbands Used in IND vs ENG 5th Test?

The white headbands are a sign of tribute to Thorpe’s signature look. He often wore one under his helmet. Fans will remember how he took off his helmet after scoring a century, revealing the white headband underneath. These headbands were designed by his wife Amanda and daughters Kitty and Emma. They are also being sold at the ground, with all money going to the mental health charity Mind.

The funds will support a new campaign called “Thorpey’s Bat and Chat”. It aims to bring people together through cricket to talk about mental health, support each other, and reduce the stigma around such conversations. Emma Thorpe, his daughter, said, “To start a conversation, to reduce the shame and stigma that are around these conversations.”

Graham Thorpe played 100 Tests for England. He scored 6,744 runs at an average of 44.66. He made a century on debut against Australia in 1993. After retirement, he coached at Surrey and later worked with the England team. He was also appointed as head coach of Afghanistan, but could not take up the role due to his health. The white headbands are a simple but powerful reminder of a legend and of the importance of mental health in sport and life.