England-South Africa Test to resume on Saturday
A washout on day one, followed by abandonment of play on Friday meant the third and decisive Test between England and South Africa at the Kennington Oval had not witnessed even a single ball.
However, ECB have confirmed that the Test would resume on Saturday "to pay tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and honour her remarkable life and service."
The ECB statement read as follows: "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."
Cricket to Resume and Pay Tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II pic.twitter.com/UuHn6BIemT
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) September 9, 2022
The Oval Test is a crucial one for South Africa in particular with ICC World Test Championship points at stake. South Africa were usurped from the top spot of the standings after the loss to England in the second Test. England, meanwhile, are seventh in the standings after eight losses and six wins.
The WTC table is currently topped by Australia, who boast of a win percentage of 70%.
England had won the toss and opted to bowl first on day one before rain washed out the day's play. Saturday's play will be considered as day three of the Test as South Africa are due to fly home on Tuesday before their tours of India and Australia.
We have been in discussions with Cricket South Africa but they have to fly home on Tuesday to spend a precious few days at home before heading to India and Australia. Tomorrow (Saturday) is therefore confirmed as Day 3 of a 5-day Test Match.
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) September 9, 2022
**England playing XI:**Alex Lees, Zak Crawley, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Ben Foakes (wk), Ollie Robinson, Stuart Broad, Jack Leach, James Anderson
South Africa playing XI: Dean Elgar (c), Sarel Erwee, Keegan Petersen, Ryan Rickelton, Khaya Zondo, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje