By Neil Manthorp.
The third and deciding test match between England and South Africa will resume on Saturday following the opening day’s washout and the cancellation of the second day, on Friday, as a mark of respect for the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
“Following the cancellation of today’s cricket fixtures as a mark of respect on announcement of her death, we can confirm that play will resume from Saturday,” read a statement from the England and Wales Cricket Board.
“The decision has been taken after consultation with DCMS and in line with Official National Mourning guidance.”
“This means the men’s test match between England and South Africa will begin at The Oval and the women’s IT20 match between England and India will also go ahead at the Riverside in Durham.”
The ECB had sought to add an extra day to The Oval test match extending its finish from Monday to Tuesday but Cricket South Africa were unable to agree to the request citing a busy schedule with departure from SA for a white-ball tour of India scheduled 23 September.
Saturday will still officially be the third day of the test and the toss and teams will remain as announced on Thursday before rain prevented a single ball being bowled.
Before each match, a minute’s silence will be observed followed by the national anthem. All players and coaches will wear black armbands,” the statement concluded.