England v South Africa third Test to resume as weekend matches are given green light

Talks between the ECB and the DCMS have resulted in a decision that sees the series decider go ahead, alongside international, domestic and recreational matches

The third men's Test between England and South Africa at the Kia Oval is set to resume on Saturday (September 10), following meetings between the ECB and the government.

The second day of action, scheduled for Friday (September 9), was called off on Thursday evening following the news of the death of the Queen. But Saturday's ticket-holders can travel safe in the knowledge that the game is scheduled to take place.

Administrators met with the Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport to establish a further course of action, with DCMS figures insisting that it was ultimately the responsibility of each sport to decide whether or not to suspend fixture lists this weekend.

^{Day one of the Test was washed out (Alex Davidson/Getty Images)}

Guidance relating to sports events, published by the government earlier on Friday, read "there is no obligation to cancel or postpone events and sporting fixtures, or close entertainment venues during the national mourning period. This is at the discretion of individual organisations".

The Test will be in effect a three-day fixture - the first day's play was wiped out by rain - despite ECB efforts to get another day of play buckled on on Tuesday to compensate for Friday's suspension. Officially, Saturday will be recorded as day three of the game. The number of overs per day scheduled for the remainder of the match will increase to 98 while, following the total washout on day one, the follow-on will be reduced to 150 runs.

South Africa are due to fly home on Tuesday (September 13), following the scheduled close of play on Monday, before departing for India within seven days, and were unwilling or unable to change their travel plans.

Tickets are now on sale for day five - Monday - with adult prices starting at £20 and under-16s £1.

The ECB said in a statement: "The England and Wales Cricket Board can confirm that play will resume from Saturday including international, domestic, and recreational fixtures. The decision has been taken after consultation with DCMS and in line with official national mourning guidance."

Four Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy matches were postponed on Friday, but the next set of games - slated for Sunday - will take place. England's women face India in the first T20I at Chester-le-Street on Saturday, which is also unaffected.

^{England women are set to face India (Darren Staples/AFP via Getty Images)}

England Under-19s will also face Sri Lanka and all other recreational fixtures are scheduled to go ahead, too.

Prior to each match, a minute's silence will be observed followed by the national anthem. Players will wear black armbands and branded inventory will be replaced with messaging paying respects to the Queen and "honour her remarkable life and service".

The penultimate round of the LV= Insurance County Championship could still fall on top of the Queen's state funeral - though the most likely date for that, Monday, September 19, is 24 hours before the start of those games. Any clash would present a fresh set of logistical challenges.

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• Second day of Oval Test called off following passing of Queen Elizabeth II
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