Last update: 10/09/22 23:57
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A look back at an emotional day at The Oval as the cricket community pays tribute to Queen Elizabeth II
A look back at an emotional day at The Oval as the cricket community pays tribute to Queen Elizabeth II
England captain Ben Stokes says it was an honor for his side to walk out against South Africa in memory of the late Queen Elizabeth II, with Stuart Broad describing the day as a celebration of Her Majesty’s life.
The decisive third Test between England and South Africa began on the third day on Saturday, with players and supporters observing an impeccable minute’s silence in honor of the Queen.
Before kick-off, tributes at the Kia Oval included a guard of honour, a minute’s silence and the national anthems, followed by a stirring rendition of ‘God Save the King’.
For Stokes, Broad, the supporters at the ground and the Sky Sports Cricket commentary team, including Michael Atherton, Kevin Pietersen, Nasser Hussain and Andrew Strauss, it was a special day and was described as a “great moment”.
England captain Ben Stokes told Sky Sports:
“It was very sad news not only for the nation but also for the world.
“He is someone who dedicated his life to the nation and that is something we can take incredible inspiration from.
“We are honored to be able to leave in memory of the Queen.
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England cricket captain Ben Stokes says Queen was an inspiration to him and his team
England cricket captain Ben Stokes says Queen was an inspiration to him and his team
“We know how much she loved the sport. The show must go on. Sports is something that brings people together.
“I’m sure she’ll be proud that we’re leaving in her honor.”
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Highlights from day three of the third LV=Insurance Test between England and South Africa at The Oval
Highlights from day three of the third LV=Insurance Test between England and South Africa at The Oval
England’s Stuart Broad told Sky Sports:
“It was really incredible. It was amazing to be a part of.
“To walk down those stairs, every player commented on how special it was going down: You could hear a pin drop. The respect shown by everyone on the field was unbelievable.
“To be able to sing the national anthem, with a full house, when I was about to represent your country was great.
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Stuart Broad reflects on day three of the third Test between England and South Africa at The Oval and says it was like a celebration of Queen Elizabeth II’s life
Stuart Broad reflects on day three of the third Test between England and South Africa at The Oval and says it was like a celebration of Queen Elizabeth II’s life
“I feel very happy with whoever decided to do this game; it almost felt like a celebration of the Queen’s life today.
“It felt good to be out there representing the brand like we did today.”
Sky Sports Cricket’s Michael Atherton said:
“A great moment, this was – to reflect on a life of incredible service. Incredibly touching.
“I think cricket has done well this morning. I think it’s the right thing to play.
England pay tribute to the Queen ahead of the Third Test at The Oval
“I think the vast majority of people in the UK would like sport to continue and use the sport community – thousands of people come together – to remember a life of great service.
“I think it will be an occasion that people on this ground, and watching in the UK and around the world, will remember for a long time.”
Sky Sports Cricket’s Kevin Pietersen:
“The twists and turns… everything about this morning was unique.
“It was very unusual the way that minute’s silence was observed. You could hear a pin drop here in south London this morning.
“It was probably one of the most respectful minutes of silence I’ve ever seen. It scares me now just thinking about the clapping and applause once I post the minute’s silence and the national anthems.”
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Sky Sports looks back at Queen Elizabeth II’s passion for sport, especially horse racing
Sky Sports looks back at Queen Elizabeth II’s passion for sport, especially horse racing
Sky Sports Cricket’s Nasser Hussain:
“Yesterday it was the right thing to do, to stop cricket – out of respect for Queen Elizabeth and the Royal Family, and given what it meant to everyone.
“But it also gave the ECB a day to judge the mood of a nation and go through that royal protocol.
The Oval observed a minute’s silence for Queen Elizabeth II before the Test match against South Africa
“Once they understood that it was up to each individual sport to decide if it could move forward, I think it’s the right thing to do.
“We know how much she loved her sport and her cricket. I think she would have wanted a celebration of her life.”
Former England captain Andrew Strauss told Sky Sports:
“You know if you had that opportunity, you did something important. And so I think there is a degree of humility and humbling from the opportunity to meet Her Majesty, and of course, it reflects a great moment in your life.
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Former England cricketer Andrew Strauss says Queen will leave a legacy after her death yesterday
Former England cricketer Andrew Strauss says Queen will leave a legacy after her death yesterday
“I was also lucky enough to meet her at a private lunch that she hosted for various people, and those are the moments that you really think are the moments that stand out in your life.
“And of course he had to deal with that every day. Every day people met her thinking it would be the greatest moment of their lives.
“The pressure and the expectation and the sense of national duty that came with her every time she went out in public was enormous and that’s why we have to step back and think and reflect and mourn.
“And also understand that this is the end of a very important era.”
