Subscribe to our free sports newsletter for the latest news on everything from cycling to boxing
Sign up to our free sports email for all the latest news
English Tribute will be paid to cricket Graham Thorpe With the new Test captain at Emirates Old Trafford on Wednesday Ollie Pope To show the way.
Thorpe, regarded as one of the greatest batsmen of his generation, died after being hit by a train earlier this month at the age of 55, with his wife Amanda revealing he had committed suicide.
The fine left-handed batsman, who in recent years has served as England’s assistant coach and batting mentor to the likes of Pope, will be missed ahead of the first Test. Sri Lanka,
A video package honoring Thorpe will be shown on the big screen, followed by applause. England Will play wearing a black band during the test.
Pope, who followed in Thorpe’s footsteps at Surrey and will captain his country for the first time in Manchester because of Ben Stokes’ injury, said: “We will be wearing black armbands throughout the game and there will be a tribute to him before the game.
“It hurts a lot of people in the changing room. He was a great guy. I played with him as a batting coach for two or three years and I have a lot of respect for him as a person.
“I always remember one thing he said to me, ‘Never let the runs you score define you as a person.’ When you’re young, you get a bit bored, that’s what I needed to hear.
“It shows to me what a person he was. He was very much loved in the changing room. His passing is very sad for everyone, for the country, for his family and for the boys. He is missed and we will honour him this week.”