Ben Stokes says he wants the deciding Test match between England and South Africa to go ahead so they can play ‘in the Queen’s memory.’
Queen Elizabeth II died on Thursday at the age of 96, with the country and the Commonwealth entering a period of mourning.
The first day of the third and final Test at The Oval was abandoned without a ball being bowled due to the heavy rain.
The England and Wales Cricket Board then confirmed on Thursday evening that Friday’s play would not take place.
They are yet to confirm whether play will resume over the weekend or if the Test will be cancelled altogether, with an announcement set to be made on Friday afternoon.
England Test captain Stokes has issued his support for the match to resume, responding to footballer Darren Huckerby’s on Twitter who asked whether this weekend’s sporting events should still go ahead.
‘She loved sport, be honoured to play in her memory,’ Stokes replied.
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has died after 70 years on the throne, her death announced by Buckingham Palace on September 8, 2022.
She died at the age of 96 at her home in Balmoral, with her son, the now King Charles, and daughter Princess Anne by her side.
Follow Metro.co.uk’s live blog for the latest updates, and sign Metro.co.uk’s book of condolence to Her Majesty here.
She loved sport, be honoured to play in her memory â¤ï¸ https://t.co/sNSJ3qJreW
England lost the series opener at Lord’s by an innings and 85 runs but hit back at Old Trafford to win by an even greater margin and level the series.
Tributes from the Cricket world have been pouring in for Her Majesty, with ECB chair Richard Thompson saying: ‘I’m sure I speak for everyone in the game when I say how truly sad I am to hear of the Queen’s passing.
‘Her Majesty has been such a great supporter of the game and was always so vocal of her and her late husband’s enjoyment around the sport.
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Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has died after 70 years on the throne, her death announced by Buckingham Palace on September 8, 2022.
She died at the age of 96 at her home in Balmoral, with her son, the now King Charles, and daughter Princess Anne by her side.
Follow Metro.co.uk’s live blog for the latest updates, and sign Metro.co.uk’s book of condolence to Her Majesty here.
‘Her dedication to her country will never be forgotten. For her service and her selflessness over her extraordinary reign, we owe her a debt that can never be repaid.’
Other sporting events to have been postponed, include this weekend’s Premier League games, with a statement reading: ‘To honour her extraordinary life and contribution to the nation, and as a mark of respect, this weekend’s Premier League match round will be postponed, including Monday evening’s game.’
MORE : Cristiano Ronaldo pays tribute to the Queen after monarch passes away
MORE : King Charles III to address the nation for the first time at 6pm this evening
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