England’s Joe Root celebrates after reaching his century. (Reuters)
Joe Root has dedicated his 33rd Test century to his former mentor, late Graham Thorpe, who took his own life earlier this month. The 33-year-old moved to three figures in his 145th test with a trademark four through third man to equal former England opener Alastair Cook’s tally of Test centuries and celebrated it by pointing to the skies.
“I’ve been very lucky to work with a lot of people, whether it be senior players, coaches, mentors, and Thorpey was one of those people who offered me so much,” said Root, whose 143 salvaged a challenging day one for England.
“It was nice to be able to think of him (Thorpe) in that moment. He’s someone I’m sorely going to miss, and who I owe a lot to. He put a lot into my game, into my career, and without his help I definitely wouldn’t be where I am now.”
Joe Root went down the memory lane recollected how the influential role of Thorpe in his career.
“The first time I came across him was a second-team game at Stamford Bridge for Yorkshire against Surrey [in 2010],” Root said.
“The following year, I made my way into the County Championship team and he was involved with the England Lions. Before I’d even made a hundred at first-class level, he picked me for a Lions game against Sri Lanka at Scarborough.
“He saw something with me, and pushed hard for me to go away that winter and worked with him. We worked tirelessly on my game against spin – being able to get close to the ball, get away from it, utilising different sweeps – and also against pace… working very hard to make sure that those areas of the game which are different to county cricket, you are up to speed with,” Root recalled.
Joe Root also played down his England record-equalling century and said his desire to keep playing was undiminished.
“I remember walking out of my first test thinking if this is my one and only opportunity to play for England then I’d be extremely proud,” he said.
“So nice to be sat here today having achieved what I’ve achieved, but I feel there’s still quite a lot more to do – and within this game as well.”
