Ahead of England vs Sri Lanka Test series, stand-in captain Ollie Pope announced that England players would wear black armbands during the Manchester Test to honour the late Graham Thorpe. Thorpe, a former cricketer and England's batting coach, tragically passed away on August 4 at age 55. Pope expressed deep admiration for Thorpe, recalling his influential advice, and described the tribute as a solemn gesture to honour Thorpe's significant contributions.source https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/news/explained-why-england-players-are-wearing-black-armbands-in-1st-test-against-sri-lanka/articleshow/112680550.cms