Surrey to Honour Graham Thorpe During Oval Test Day 2

Surrey County Cricket Club will honour legendary England batsman Graham Thorpe on Day 2 of the upcoming Oval Test. A stylish left-hander and loyal Surrey stalwart, Thorpe’s legacy will be celebrated with tributes, speeches, and fanfare at The Kia Oval. The event marks a poignant moment in cricket, recognising his remarkable contributions as both a player and mentor to the sport. A fitting salute to a true cricket icon.

The iconic Kia Oval is set to become a poignant stage on Friday, August 1, 2025, as Surrey County Cricket Club dedicates Day 2 of the final Test between England and India of  to honour the indelible memory of Graham Thorpe. On what would have been his 56th birthday, "A Day for Thorpey" transcends a mere cricketing tribute; it's a powerful statement of remembrance, celebrating a life tragically cut short while shining a crucial light on mental health awareness.

Graham Thorpe, a name synonymous with grit, elegance, and unyielding resolve, left an extraordinary mark on English cricket. A stylish left-handed middle-order batsman, he donned the England whites in 100 Tests, amassing 6,744 runs at an impressive average of 44.66, including 16 centuries. His career was characterized by an ability to perform under pressure, adapting his game across conditions, from gritty Ashes battles to fluent strokes against formidable attacks. Before his international exploits, Thorpe was a beloved stalwart for Surrey, spending 17 years at his spiritual home, scoring nearly 22,000 first-class runs and becoming a legend among the county faithful. Post-retirement, his expertise benefited England and Surrey in coaching roles, continuing his dedication to the sport.

However, beyond the statistics and accolades, Thorpe's later years were marked by a silent struggle. His passing in 2024, at the age of 55, was confirmed by his family to be a result of him taking his own life after a prolonged battle with depression and anxiety. It's this heartbreaking truth that underpins the profound significance of "A Day for Thorpey."

Surrey County Cricket Club, in collaboration with Graham's wife Amanda and daughters Kitty and Emma, is transforming this day into a beacon of support for mental health charity, Mind. Attendees at The Oval will have the opportunity to purchase limited-edition headbands – a nod to the distinctive headwear Thorpe famously sported during his playing days – with all proceeds going directly to Mind. Furthermore, Mind's "Bat and Chat" sessions, a fantastic initiative designed to foster mental well-being through cricket, will be rebranded as "Thorpey's Bat and Chat" and expanded nationwide, carrying his legacy forward in a truly impactful way.

As the cricketing world gathers at The Oval to witness another chapter in the captivating England-India rivalry, all eyes will also turn to the skies in remembrance of "Thorpey." This tribute is more than a moment of silence; it's a vibrant celebration of a brilliant cricketer's life and a courageous call to action, reminding us all of the importance of mental well-being within and beyond the sporting arena. Join Surrey, England, and the entire cricketing fraternity in honouring a true legend, and contributing to a cause that truly matters.

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