New Delhi. Ben Stokes-led England team takes on Kane Williamson-led New Zealand in the first match of the three-Test series. This match is being played at the historic Lord’s Cricket Ground in London. The host England team has landed on the field with a new coach and captain. In this match, Kiwi captain Williamson won the toss and decided to bat first. During the toss, England’s legendary all-rounder and now captain Stokes did something that is being praised all over the world. Stokes did not reach the field in the traditional way during the toss. Instead of the blazer, he wore a jersey named after former England coach and player Graham Thorpe. Thorpe is currently ill and hospitalized.
The England and Wales Cricket Board issued a statement saying, “In honor of former England cricketer and coach Graham Thorpe, England captain Ben Stokes will take the field for the toss wearing a jersey written with Thorpe’s name and number.” Usually the captain wears the team’s blazer and comes down for the toss. However, Stokes wore a jersey bearing his name, breaking tradition with the intention of honoring Thorpe. Please tell that Thorpe is ill and admitted to the hospital.
Our captain has a message as he walks out for his first toss.
We are all with you, Thorpey ️#ENGvNZ pic.twitter.com/frhlvtmU2q
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) June 2, 2022
Graham Thorpe has been hospitalized for 23 days
Graham Thorpe was admitted to the hospital on 10 May due to serious illness. This legendary batsman scored 16 centuries in 100 Tests for England and in 2005 he said goodbye to cricket. He started his coaching career in Australia and then joined the England national team as a batting coach. He was the assistant coach of the England national men’s team under the guidance of Trevor Bayliss and Chris Silverwood. Thorpe left his role in the coaching staff after England’s defeat in the Ashes series in January.
Ben Stokes during the toss at Lord’s Test. (AFP)
New Zealand’s Playing 11: Tom Latham, Will Young, Kane Williamson (c), Devon Conway, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell (wk), Colin de Grandhomme, Kyle Jameson, Tim Southee, Ajaz Patel, Trent Boult.
England’s Playing 11: Jack Crowley, Alex Lee, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow, Ben Stokes (c), Ben Fox (wk), Matty Potts, Jack Leach, Stuart Broad, James Anderson.
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Tags: ben stokes, England, Kane Williamson, New Zealand, world test championship
June 02, 2022, 16:27 IST