'He means a lot to us' – Stokes' special message for Graham Thorpe

The former England batter was reported as "seriously ill" last month and since then he's been receiving treatment at the hospital.

"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 and thankful for the respect and privacy their family has received."

Stokes added that the jersey was a gesture to express the entire team's love and support for the legend.

"Me wearing this shirt is on behalf of me and the England cricket team 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."

The England great represented his country in 100 Tests and 82 ODIs, accounting for 9124 runs across formats, including 16 centuries and 60 half-centuries.

After his retirement, he worked as England Men's batting coach between 2010 and 2022 before he stepped down following the 4-0 Ashes drub in Australia.