Sharmistha Gooptu in London
A Test series is often a test of nerves. Like the present India versus England series, they can be hard-fought and hard-played, while also generating a lot of powerful emotions.
However, there are moments during such competitions when most of those who watch, write or commentate on the game pause in unison to remember, honour, and to pledge support. Like today at the Oval, the second day of the last Test, it is ‘A Day for Thorpey’. It is a day in support of mental health and to remember England cricketer Graham Thorpe, who took his own life after battling with anxiety and depression, and would have been 56 on this day, had he lived.
The limited edition white headband sold inside the stadium, and worn as a mark of respect to Thorpe is also a marker putting mental health at the forefront, even as the game continues as a tough competition. Like the Pink Day at the Sydney Test to generate cancer awareness, or the Red for Ruth awareness campaign for families dealing with the loss of a parent to cancer — the white headband (resembling the one Thorpe wore when he batted for England) is a reminder that not all associated with the game might be well.
It’s a reminder to us Indians as well. There are many — young cricketers, coaches or ex-cricketers — battling with mental fatigue or depression who need a helping hand. Something like ‘A Day for Thorpey’ — a campaign created to raise funds to support the mental health of cricket coaches.
At RevSportz, mental health of athletes has always been an important plank for us, whether in our discussions with athletes at our annual Trailblazers conclave, or in our campaigns on World Mental Heath Day. The game comes with its greats, celebration, jubilation and fondest of memories. While we celebrate, let us not forget those that were injured, fell by the way or left us earlier than they should have.
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