Men's and women's Hundred 2024 teams to wear black armbands during Monday's fixture to mourn Graham Thorpe's death
The Men's and Women's teams of The Hundred 2024 will wear black armbands on account of Graham Thorpe's death during Monday's fixtures (August 5). The Hundred's official social media handles released statements regarding the same.
Thorpe, the former England middle-order batter, died aged 55 on Monday, although the reason for the same is unclear as of now. The former England men's team's batting coach had fallen seriously ill in March 2022 when he accepted the role of Afghanistan's head coach. Hence, he wasn't even able to take up the role.
The Hundred issued a statement on X:
"Following the sad news of the passing of England cricket great Graham Thorpe, #TheHundred players will be wearing black armbands during today's matches, and a minute's silence will be observed by all four teams ahead of the men's match."
The Southern Brave and the Welsh Fire will take on one another on Monday in the men's category, while the same teams will lock horns in the women's category too. All four sides will also observe a moment's silence.
"No appropriate words to describe the deep shock we feel" - ECB release emotional statement after Graham Thorpe's death
The England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) released a statement after the left-hander's demise, given how he was celebrated as a coach and cricketer alike.
The statement elaborated:
"There seem to be no appropriate words to describe the deep shock we feel at Graham's death. More than one of England’s finest-ever batters, he was a beloved member of the cricket family and revered by fans all over the world. His skill was unquestioned, and his abilities and achievements across a 13-year international career brought so much happiness to his teammates and England and Surrey CCC supporters alike."
"Later, as a coach, he guided the best England Men's talent to some incredible victories across all formats of the game. The cricket world is in mourning today."
Graham Thorpe featured in 83 ODIs and 100 Tests for England from 1993-2005.