Overview

• Root reached his 39th Test century in England’s second innings of the fifth Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy at The Oval, scoring off 137 balls with 12 fours.
• He and Harry Brook put on a 195-run partnership for the fourth wicket as England chased 374.
• After reaching three figures, Root donned a white headband and pointed skyward in homage to Thorpe’s influence on the game.
• The Oval has seen multiple tributes this week, including headbands on sale to raise funds for Mind and ‘A Day for Thorpey’ on Thorpe’s birthday.
• Thorpe’s suicide in August 2024 and his family’s candidness about his depression have fuelled ongoing campaigns to destigmatise mental health in cricket.