England paid an emotional tribute to Queen Elizabeth II before the start of the third day’s play of the ongoing third and final Test against South Africa at the Oval on Saturday (September 10). The second day's play was suspended after Queen Elizabeth II passed away on Thursday (September 9).
To honor the Queen, an LED board was placed inside the Kia Oval stadium, which displayed a tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II during day three of the third Test between England and South Africa.
The Ben Stokes-led England cricket team also observed a minute’s silence at the ground before an NCO of the Irish Guards chimed the bell and God Save the King was sung by the hosts. Notably, the players passed through a military guard of honor on the ground.
Later, singer Laura Wright sang a moving rendition of the country’s new anthem, which was sung for the first time during an England cricket match since February 6, 1952—that day King George VI passed away.
Notably, it was also the first time any national team has sung since King Charles III's ascension to the throne, with the sad tone of the crowd reflecting the gloomy mood of a nation in mourning.
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Stokes said before the match: “It’s always very special to stand on the ground and sing the national anthem and obviously today will have even more on it. The national anthem might be sung a little bit louder than it is normally, and rightly so. It’s great knowing that we’re going to be playing this game, not just for us but in memory of the Queen, so it’s a very special occasion for us.”
(NDTV inputs)
