Cricket paid a moving tribute to Queen Elizabeth II during the Test match between England and South Africa at the Oval, with a minute's silence before the national anthems were sung, including an emotional rendition of 'God Save The King'.
Fans arrived early at the Oval in order to be part of the tributes, with the players coming onto the field through a military guard of honour. The entire ground then observed a minute's silence, before Laura Wright performed a cappella versions of both anthems.
The crowd joined in to sing 'God Save The King', before breaking into applause which only stopped when James Anderson bowled the very first ball of the Test.
Speaking on Sky Sports, former England captain Kevin Pietersen described the tributes as "extraordinary" and said they left him with "goosebumps" .He said: "The goosebumps...just absolutely everything about this morning was unique.
"Because there are some absolutely spectacular grounds around the world that have some of the most inspiring atmospheres, and you wouldn't put The Oval right at the top for atmospheres when you think of football stadiums, the American sports, sports in Australia, the cricket arenas in India, however, I think this morning as unique. It was quite extraordinary the way that minute of silence was respected.
"You could hear a pin drop here in South London this morning. It was probably one of the most respected minutes of silence I have ever witnessed.
"I get goosebumps now just thinking about the clap and the applause just post the minute's silence and national anthems." England captain Ben Stokes said his side "honoured" to be able to play in memory of the Queen, stating: "She is someone who dedicated their life to the nation, and that is something we can take incredible inspiration from.
"We are honoured to be able to walk out in memory of the Queen. We know how much she loved the sport. We know the show must go on.
"Sport is something that brings people together. I'm sure she will be proud that we're walking out in her honour."
