The third test between England and South Africa at the Kia Oval has been suspended following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
News of the Queen’s death at the age of 96 came at 6.30pm on Thursday, the first scheduled day of the test, after which the ECB confirmed that no scheduled cricket would take place on Friday. In addition to day two of the test, four Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy matches were scheduled to be played.
“Following the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Friday’s match between England and the men of South Africa at The Oval, as well as all scheduled Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy matches, will not take place.” , the ECB said in a statement. “For matches beyond Friday, updates will be provided in due course.”
The ECB is in consultation with the government and other sports on the appropriate course of action for the rest of the test. Day two ticket holders will be entitled to a full refund, the council confirmed.
ESPNcricinfo understands that the ECB and the Proteas management team met to discuss options, whether to move the second day to Saturday or cancel the test altogether. CSA were happy to agree to whatever the ECB board deemed appropriate and are willing to extend the team’s stay in the UK to facilitate the completion of the series, which is currently tied to a test. each.
ECB President Richard Thompson said: “I’m sure I speak for everyone in the game when I say how truly sad I am to hear of the Queen’s passing. Her Majesty has been such a huge supporter of the game and was always so vocal about her and her late husband’s enjoyment around the sport. Her dedication to her country will never be forgotten. For her service and selflessness during her extraordinary reign, we owe him a debt that can never be repaid.
A period of national mourning is expected in the UK, with sporting cancellations likely. Play was suspended at the PGA Championship at Wentworth on Thursday evening, while the British Horseracing Authority announced the postponement of Friday’s races.
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