There will be no test cricket for the Proteas at The Oval today, the England Cricket Board has confirmed that following consultations with both teams, no play will take place at The Oval in a mark of respect following the death of Queen Elizabeth.
The queen, Britain’s longest-reigning monarch, died peacefully at her home in Scotland aged 96.
Video: Queen Elizabeth | Prime Minister Liz Truss delivers statement following the monarch’s death
There was no play yesterday because of the weather, and today’s play has been cancelled. There is a possibility that play will be extended by a day, giving the teams until Tuesday to make up for the time lost.
The series is tied at one-all, so the South African team has said they will adjust their plans to return home if necessary. Individual British sports can decide how they want to deal with the mourning period in this weekend’s fixtures in particular.
The world of sport reacted to the Queen’s death on Thursday with a raft of cancellations across cricket, golf, rugby, and cycling, while others paid tribute by holding a minute’s silence.
Matches in the domestic Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy were called off.
The English Football League (EFL) cancelled two games scheduled for Friday, while West Ham United fans sang a rousing rendition of “God Save the Queen” before their Europa Conference League match against Romanian side FCSB on Thursday.
A minute’s silence was observed at Europa League games featuring British teams and players wore black armbands.
“A determination regarding the remainder of this weekend’s scheduled fixtures will be made following a review of the official mourning guidance, in addition to further consultation with DCMS and other sports on Friday morning,” the EFL said.
The Scottish Championship game on Friday between Cove Rangers and Dundee was also postponed by the Scottish Professional Football League.
British media reported that the Premier League is also likely to decide on the weekend’s fixtures on Friday.
At Wentworth, which is hosting the BMW PGA golf Championship, the flagship event of Europe’s DP World Tour, play was suspended on Thursday, and organisers cancelled Friday’s second round.
“She was truly an inspiration to people the world over, no play will take place at the BMW PGA Championship on Friday and the golf course and practice facilities will be closed,” the Tour said in a statement.
Peter Forster, captain of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club, said the queen’s 70-year patronage was a “great honour”.
“Following her accession in 1952, Her late Majesty graciously accepted the Patronage of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews although not a golfer. Her late Majesty’s 70-year patronage of the club was a great honour for its members,” said Forster.
In cycling, the Tour of Britain called off Friday’s sixth stage before also cancelling the weekend’s remaining stages.
Saracens’ game against Northampton Saints in the Premiership Rugby Cup later on Thursday was postponed while Scottish Rugby has suspended all domestic watches this weekend.
The British Horseracing Authority also suspended all events for two days. Horse racing was the queen’s passion, and she was a regular racegoer as well as an owner and breeder of racing stock.
The US-based National Football League observed a moment of silence before the start of the regular-season opening game between the Los Angeles Rams and the Buffalo Bills.
The US Open tennis championships and motor racing’s Formula One will also observe silences.
World Athletics president Sebastian Coe hailed the queen for her role in the successful staging of the 2012 London Olympics.
“In the most demanding of roles, she has shown exceptional leadership, grace, wisdom and fortitude, touching us across the full fabric of society, including sport. I will never forget her total commitment to the success of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.” said Coe.
Mourners moved to tears outside Windsor castle:
Additional reporting by Reuters
