Oval roars God save the King

A HISTORIC rendition of God Save The King took place ahead of the resumption of the third Test between England and South Africa as well as a minute’s silence in a touching tribute to the Queen.

There was a poignant commemoration at the Kia Oval to the Queen, who died on Thursday, with an impeccably observed minute’s silence broken only by a one-bell chime from Senior NCO Robert Brockelsby Miller of the Irish Guards.

Soprano Laura Wright then sang both the national anthems, with a sell-out crowd joining in one of the first renditions of God Save the King at a televised sporting event in 70 years before bursting into spontaneous and prolonged applause ahead of the first ball being bowled.

England captain Ben Stokes said: “It’s been very sad news for not only the nation but the world with the Queen’s passing.

“She was someone who dedicated her life to the nation, someone that we take incredible inspiration from and we are honoured to be able to walk out on the field in memory of the Queen.

“We know how much the Queen loved this sport, and the show must go on. I’m sure she’ll be looking down on all the sport that’s still going ahead over this weekend and that we’re going out there in her honour. I’m very pleased and proud we can do that.”

Stuart Broad added: “It was incredible. It was amazing to be a part of.

“To walk down those stairs – every single player commented on how special it was to walk down – you could hear a pin drop.

“The respect shown by everyone in the stadium was incredible and to be able to sing the national anthem with a full house, just about to represent your country, was brilliant.

“I feel really glad that whoever decided to put this game on – it felt like almost a celebration of the Queen’s life today.”