Why England cricketers are wearing white headbands on Day 2 of ENG vs IND fifth Test at Oval? Explained

England players are caught wearing white headbands on the second day of the ongoing fifth and final Test at The Oval against India, in honour of former cricketer Graham Thorpe, who would have celebrated his 56th birthday on Friday. One of the England greats to have played the game, the left-handed Thorpe represented the national team in 100 Tests and played for Surrey for 17 years died on August 4 last year. 

Remembering Thorpe on August 1, Day 2 at The Oval has been declared as ‘A Day for Thorpey’, thus raising funds for mental health charity Mind. Thorpe died of “traumatic injuries” after being struck by a train at Esher railway station in Surrey. He was also battling depression and anxiety for many years. 

Former England captain Joe Root was caught fielding at the slips without his national team cap and sported the headband in a touching gesture. 

he event - named 'A Day for Thorpey' - will be held during Friday's final Test match between England and India at the Oval, to raise money for mental health charity Mind and awareness of people who are supporting families and friends living with mental health issues.

Thousands of fans are set to pay tribute to Thorpe by donning headbands similar to the one that the batsman wore while playing for England. The headbands, which were co-designed with the late cricket star's family, are being sold at the event for £5 each, with the stands set to be full of supporters paying their respect.

Money raised from headband sales and donations will support the roll out of new project 'Thorpey’s Bat and Chat” across England and Wales, a programme that combines cricket sessions with guided psychoeducation to support mental health and wellbeing.