He means a lot to us: Ben Stokes pays tribute to Graham Thorpe

In the first Test of the 3-match series against New Zealand, the newly-appointed England red-ball skipper Ben Stokes came for the toss by donning Graham Thorpe's name and jersey no.564. 

Thorpe featured in 100 Test matches for England between 1993 and 2005 and scored over 6700 runs at an average of 44.66. 

On May 10, the statement from the family confirmed that the former batter is 'seriously ill' and receiving treatment in hospital. Since then, there has been no update on his health status in the past few weeks. 

Ahead of the match, Stokes reckoned that the jersey was a gesture to express their support to the entire family of Thorpe. 

"Everybody is aware that he's [Thorpe] very unwell in hospital at the moment," said Stokes before the start of the opening day of the Lord's Test. 

"I have spoken with his wife on Monday, and she has been very grateful for the respect and privacy their family has received."

"Me wearing this shirt is on behalf of the England cricket team and me to show support to him, his wife, his kids, and all his family and friends through this tough time because we all love Thorpey, and he means a hell of a lot to us," he added. 

Thorpe had served as England's assistant coach but was sacked from the role after England's 4-0 loss to Australia in Ashes 2021/22. However, he was appointed as the Afghanistan head coach in the last week of March. 

Meanwhile, England have dominated the Lunch session in the 1st Test at Lord's. Matty Potts has scalped up three wickets in his international debut, including the Kiwi captain Kane Williamson.

The visitors are reeling at 77/7, with Tim Southee and Colin de Grandhomme at the crease. It will be a daunting task for both the players to construct a healthy partnership and post a respectable total on the board.