By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The second day’s play in the third test between England and South Africa at The Oval will not take place on Friday following the death of Queen Elizabeth, the England and Wales Cricket Board said on Thursday.
The ECB is continuing to discuss the situation with government and will provide an update as to the rest of the test in due course. “Following the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Friday’s play between England and South Africa at The Oval will not take place,” the ECB said in a statement.
Following the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Friday’s play between England and South Africa Men at The Oval, along with all scheduled matches in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy, will not take place.
For fixtures beyond Friday, updates will be provided in due course. pic.twitter.com/hcQ6CBJ3Wx
— England and Wales Cricket Board (@ECB_cricket) September 8, 2022
The opening day on Thursday was washed out due to rain. England won the toss and put South Africa in to bat only for a shower to sweep in and put a stop to proceedings minutes before the players took to the field.
A frustrating day of covers on and off followed before an official announcement came at 15.45GMT saying no play would be possible.
The series is level at 1-1, with both tests finishing inside three days. South Africa won the first by an innings and 12 runs at Lord’s only to be hammered by an innings and 85 runs in the second at Old Trafford.