ENGLAND cricketers sang a spine-tingling first televised rendition of “God Save the King” before a sporting event in 70 years following the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
A day of huge emotion and significance started with a perfect pre-match ceremony and featured outrageously crazy cricket.
England stars proudly belted out the national anthem
PASoprano Laura Wright leads The Oval in a rendition of God Save the King[/caption]
Feelings were stretched in every direction but most of all by a massed rendition of the National Anthem and a minute’s silence observed with impeccable sombreness.
After a washout on Thursday, Friday’s play was cancelled as a mark of respect following her passing aged 96.
Following consultation with DCMS and in line with Official National Mourning Guidance, the decision was made to resume play on Saturday morning.
The 27,500 spectators will never forget their day at the Oval and not just because they were able to sing the amended National Anthem at a sporting event for the first time since 1952.
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GettyPlayers observe a minute’s silence[/caption]
They watched 17 wickets fall on what was officially day three of the deciding Third Test as England finished with 154-7 in reply to South Africa’s paltry 118 all out.
The players entered the field flanked by a military guard of honour, before a minute’s silence was immaculately observed by those in attendance at The Oval.
The national anthem of South Africa was played first – before a rousing rendition of God Save the King was belted out by the passionate crowd, led by soprano Laura Wright.
As she sang the National Anthem, opera singer Wright’s piercing, beautiful soprano voice echoed around the ground.
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But she had an impromptu backing choir, too, with virtually everybody joining in.
Many might have sung out of tune but every single one of them were doing it out of respect.
And the National Anthem was followed by spontaneous applause that lasted fully two minutes until just before the first ball was bowled.
There was emotion everywhere. Former captain Joe Root puffed out his cheeks, other players looked moved but, really, the whole ground was touched by this shared display of affection for the monarchy, the new King and the life of Queen Elizabeth II.
The old ground – where the first Test match in England was played in 1880 – has never seen anything like it.
Current captain Ben Stokes said before start of play: “The passing of the Queen has been very sad news for not only the nation but the world.
“She was someone who dedicated her life to the nation, someone that we take incredible inspiration from. We are honoured to be able to walk onto 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 this weekend. I’m very pleased and proud we can walk out in her honour.
“Sport is something people come to watch and enjoy but it also brings people together. We’ve tried to do that this summer with the way we’ve played. “
Every last detail was meticulously planned and perfectly choreographed.
If you count this one, the Queen’s reign spanned 760 England Test matches – three-quarters of all they have played.
The toss was made exactly 48 hours before play started. And what an advantage it was for England to bowl first.
From the ninth ball of the match, Robinson rearranged South African captain Dean Elgar’s stumps and then Sarel Erwee edged Jimmy Anderson, who is playing his 175th Test match.
Boards usually featuring advertisements held tributes to Queen Elizabeth IIGetty
GettyBen Stokes spoke eloquently before play[/caption]
Keegan Petersen left one and was bowled and Ryan Rickelton gave Ben Foakes the second of his four catches.
When Robinson dispatched Kyle Verreynne and Wiaan Mulder, the Proteas were 36-6 and in complete meltdown.
The 6ft 8ins Marco Jansen helped debutant Khaya Zondo double the score but it was barely much of a recovery.
Broad got one to bounce to Zondo and he was caught at backward point via the shoulder of the bat. Then Jansen was caught at slip by Root and Robinson had his five-wicket haul.
The bowler held up the ball in triumph and soaked in the applause.
After a winter in which his fitness and professionalism were questioned by the England management and an early summer disturbed by back and shoulder injuries, dental problems and a bout of Covid, Robinson has bowled brilliantly in the last two Tests.
He is fitter and stronger and is beginning to fulfil his dream of being cheered like Anderson and Broad have been for years.
England batted as aggressively as they have all summer. Kagiso Rabada, one of the world’s best fast bowlers, conceded runs at almost seven-an-over.
But wickets tumbled and England’s most pressing problem was reiterated – openers Alex Lees and Zak Crawley are both struggling desperately in Test cricket.
Left-armer Jansen took the first four wickets and only Ollie Pope, on his home ground, played an innings of any consequence before he nibbled outside off stump and was caught behind for 67.