There was no play in London on Friday as a sign of respect for Queen Elizabeth II who passed away in Scotland on Thursday at the age of 96.

The ECB suspended play as the country enters a 12-day mourning period.

A possibility of the Test being called off totally wasn’t off the cards, however, a decision was taken by the England & Wales Cricket Board to continue in honour of the late Queen.

The ECB confirmed that play will resume on Saturday via a statement.

“Cricket will resume on Saturday to pay tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and honour her remarkable life and service.

“Following the cancellation of Friday’s cricket fixtures as a mark of respect on announcement of her death, the England and Wales Cricket Board can confirm that play will resume from Saturday including international, domestic, and recreational fixtures. 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 scheduled match between England and Sri Lanka Men’s U19 along with recreational cricket fixtures will also take place as planned.

“Before each match, a minute’s silence will be observed followed by the national anthem. All players and coaches will wear black armbands. Branded inventory will be replaced with messaging paying cricket's respects to The Queen.”

On day one of the 3rd and decisive Test no play was possible due to inclement weather. The series is currently deadlocked at one win a piece.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport