England is taking on New Zealand in the first Test match of the three-game series. The game is happening at the Lord’s in London and New Zealand has won the toss to bat first. At the toss, Ben Stokes took off his blazer to reveal the special tribute that he and his team paid to Graham Thorpe. In this article, we take a look at the special gesture by Ben Stokes in the England vs New Zealand Test match.
Ben stokes wears a special shirt at the toss of the England vs New Zealand Test match
52-year-old Graham Thorpe fell seriously ill last month and his condition has remained the same. The former cricketer was part of the England setup until recently. Hence, to pay a tribute to Thorpe, Ben Stokes had Graham Thorpe‘s name and cap number on the back of his shirt.
Speaking about this, Stokes said, “This shirt is on behalf of me and the team to show support for Thorpey and his family. We all love Thorpey and he means a hell of a lot to us.”
Ben Stokes wore a special shirt to the toss today to pay tribute to Graham Thorpe, who remains seriously ill in hospital 💙#ENGvNZ pic.twitter.com/iWD6i2o65v
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) June 2, 2022
The start of a new era for England
It is the start of a new era for England in Test cricket. After suffering disappointing losses to Australia and West Indies in the last few months, England Test Team has undergone plenty of changes.
Importantly, they have changed the men who will be at the helm of affairs. Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum replaced Joe Root and Chris Silverwood as the captain and coach of the team, respectively. In the team, as well, there are a few changes. While Matty Potts has been given his debut, it will be Ollie Pope who will operate at No.3. The fast-bowling duo of James Anderson and Stuart Broad are also back in the squad. It needs to be seen how the team would perform from now on.
