Joe Root paid an emotional tribute to the late Graham Thorpe, saying his touching celebration of his 39th Test hundred was a “thank you” for everything his mentor had given English cricket.

Graham Thorpe, one of the most respected batters of his generation and England’s assistant coach as recently as 2021, took his own life last August following a long battle with anxiety and depression.

After scoring another Test century, Joe Root paid a tribute to former England batter Graham Thorpe, who died by suicide on August 4, 2024.

In a moment of pure class and heartfelt tribute, Joe Root brought up his 39th Test century on Day 4 of the fifth and final Test between India and England at The Oval, earning a standing ovation from the London crowd and cementing his place among the greats of the game.

Joe Root has confirmed that Chris Woakes will bat with a dislocated shoulder if England need him to as the fifth Test will go down to the wire on the final day

Joe Root marks his 39th century with a tribute to former England batting coach Graham Thorpe in the fifth Test against India at the Oval.

Joe Root paid tribute to late Graham Thorpe on the occasion of his 39th Test century on Day 4 of the fifth Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025.

Veteran Englishman Joe Root, once again delighted fans with a scintillating hundred in the final innings of the fifth Test

Joe Root pays tribute to Graham Thorpe after registering 39th Test ton (Source: X) Joe Rootacknowledged late Graham Thorpe while celebrating his 39th Test ton during Day 4 of the fifth Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025.

Joe Root honored the late Graham Thorpe with a heartfelt tribute after scoring a century during the final Test against India at The Oval. Root's century and tribute came during England's chase, adding an emotional layer to the thrilling final day.