WORLD OF RESPECT
From
ENGLISH cricket paid an emotional and moving tribute to the late Elizabeth II as international sport resumed in this country on a tear-filled, historic day in London.
As Charles III was being proclaimed the new King, thus confirming the end of the Elizabethan era, just a few miles from where Jimmy Anderson was preparing to run in to bowl in the Third Test, a full and sombre crowd at The Oval was able to display their grief at the loss of their Queen.
A mournful atmosphere enveloped this famous old ground as thousands came to see the third day of the contest against South Africa – but more pointedly pay their respects to someone who had reigned supreme for 70 years.
England and South Africa players and umpires (far right) donned black armbands and attempted to show that cricket life was carrying on as normal in the long history of a sport which had such strong connections with the Queen during her longevity on the throne.
Incredibly, she had been around long enough to witness three quarters of all the Tests ever played.
While football shut down, cricket was among the sports that resumed – but it was certainly no ordinary day.
And those competing out in the middle knew they would be merely a side show in the great scheme of things.
The priority was to honour Elizabeth II – a regular visitor here over the decades – the best way they could.
It proved to be a real day of powerful emotion and sentiment with Surrey encouraging people to take their seats early while also ditching the fancy dress and restricting them to two drinks each just for good measure. Respects were paid at other sporting events with Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald taking part in a two-minute silence at the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth. New ECB chairman Richard Thompson defended the decision to recommence the Test while football bosses postponed all their fixtures for the weekend. He insisted: “It has been a frantic few hours. We instinctively felt it was inappropriate to play on the Friday so soon after her death and then again discussed whether we should play on the Saturday, but DCMS and Sport England were very supportive and said if you want to play then play.
Unanimous
“It was unanimous, including from the players, that this game should go ahead.”
Captain Ben Stokes and his players wanted the opportunity to show their respect and took part in a guard of honour with South Africa, umpires and members of the military before observing a minute’s silence, which was accompanied by a poignant single chime sounding from a bell struck by Irish Guards NCO Robert
Brockelsby. Tears welled up in some spectators’ eyes as soprano Laura Wright first sang the South African anthem, and then delivered an emotional performance of God Save The King, England cricketers becoming the first national side to do so in the new reign.
England pace bowler Stuart
Broad said: “To walk down those steps, every single player commented on how special it was – you could hear a pin drop.
“The respect shown by everyone in the stadium was incredible. To then be able to sing the national anthem in front of a full house as you are about to represent your country was brilliant.
“I’m really glad, whoever decided it, to play this game. It felt like a celebration of the Queen’s life and it felt good to be out there to represent the badge like we did.”
A picture of the Queen filled the giant screen during lunch and tea breaks on the land owned by the Duchy of Cornwall. On the field, the crowd witnessed another crazy, frantic day of summer Test action with 17 wickets falling as the game moved forward rapidly.
After making up for lost time bowling out South Africa for 118, England capitulated themselves to 154-7 when bad light forced an early close, a lead of 36 runs.
Ollie Robinson (5-49) and Stuart Broad (4-41) were the standout England bowlers as the Proteas collapsed to 36-6 at one stage. Ollie Pope struck an impressive 67 but, when Joe Root fell for 23, England lost five wickets for 67 runs.