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England vs South Africa: Day one of series-deciding third Test washed out, then suspended after Queen's death

On Thursday, after a number of pitch inspections, the rain returned and the umpires made the decision to officially draw matters to a close at 4.45pm local time; the Test has now been suspended following the death of Queen Elizabeth II

Rain delayed the start of the third Test between England and South Africa at the Kia Oval
Image: Rain forced day one of the third Test between England and South Africa at the Kia Oval to be abandoned

Day one of the third Test between England and South Africa at the Kia Oval was abandoned due to persistent rain, before the Test was postponed following the death of The Queen.

"Following the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Friday's play between England and South Africa Men at The Oval, along with all scheduled matches in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy, will not take place," the ECB said in a statement on Thursday. "For fixtures beyond Friday, updates will be provided in due course."

On Thursday, after a number of pitch inspections, the rain returned and the umpires made the decision to officially draw matters to a close at 4.45pm local time.

The start of play had already been pushed back by 30 minutes due to overnight rain and, roughly 10 minutes before the rescheduled start time, the heavens opened again.

Prior to that, England won the toss and Ben Stokes chose to stick to the tactic that has served his side so well this summer and bowl first.

Harry Brook was presented with his first Test cap by fellow Yorkshireman Joe Root as he replaced the injured Jonny Bairstow in the only change to the XI that won so convincingly at Emirates Old Trafford.

James Anderson was also presented with his 175th Test cap by former team-mate Marcus Trescothick.

Meanwhile, South Africa made four changes to their team. Rassie van der Dussen is out with a fractured finger, Lungi Ngidi has a niggle and Aiden Markram and Simon Harmer also missed out.

Batters Ryan Rickelton and Khaya Zonzo and all-rounder Wiann Mulder came in, with left-arm fast bowler Marco Jansen also recalled.

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