Joe Root expressed heartfelt gratitude towards his former mentor Graham Thorpe as England faced a challenging situation at The Oval. With exceptional performances from Yorkshire’s Root and Harry Brook, England approached within 35 runs of their 374-run target, standing at 339-6 during the final Rothesay Test.
Root, achieving his third century of the series with a flawless 105, expressed optimism that the injured all-rounder Chris Woakes, willing to bat despite a dislocated left shoulder, might not be needed to secure a 3-1 series victory.
Marking his century, the top-ranked Test batsman globally, Root, retrieved a white headband – reminiscent of Thorpe’s signature style – from his pocket, acknowledging the significant influence of his former mentor on his career. A tribute to Thorpe, who sadly passed away at 55 last year, resulted in fans donating £150,000 to the mental health charity Mind on a designated day of remembrance.
Root conveyed his appreciation for the outpouring of affection towards Thorpe, recognizing his immense contributions as a player, coach, mentor, and friend to English cricket. The partnership of Root’s 39th Test century and Brook’s aggressive 111 off 98 deliveries positioned England for a historic run chase, aiming for the second-highest successful chase in their history.
Although Woakes, despite his injury, remains eager to contribute, Root emphasized the team’s determination and spirit, drawing parallels to other players’ extraordinary efforts under adversity. Anticipating a thrilling conclusion, Root expressed confidence in England’s capabilities to clinch a remarkable series victory, highlighting the intense competition witnessed throughout the six-week tournament.
With favorable conditions and unwavering resolve in the dressing room, England remains poised to capitalize on opportunities to secure the win in the upcoming match. The anticipation for an exciting finish looms, promising a captivating conclusion to an already gripping series.