Sports: Root dedicated his 33rd Test century to England legend, the late Graham Thorpe who took his own life after battling depression earlier this month.

Root said that Thorpe was someone whom he "owes a lot to" and that he could not have achieved all that he has managed in his career without the help and guidance of his former batting mentor and dear friend.

"I've been very lucky to work with a lot of people, whether it be senior players, coaches, mentors, and Thorpey was one of those people who offered me so much," Root said after smashing 143 against Sri Lanka at Lord's in the second Test. 

"It was nice to be able to think of him (Thorpe) in that moment. He's someone I'm sorely going to miss, and who I owe a lot to. He put a lot into my game, into my career, and without his help I definitely wouldn't be where I am now."

Root revealed that Thorpe had immense belief in his abilities and fast-tracked him into playing for England Lions. The former England captain also mentioned that Thorpe worked on his technique against both pace and spin which made him a better player.