Ben Stokes was thrilled to hear that cricket chiefs had decided that the Third Test against South Africa will resume at The Oval on Saturday.

After Thursday's washout, Friday's play was cancelled and there will be three days of play.

Although the ECB was keen to extend the match to Tuesday, South Africa refused to allow it to be extended. They were due to fly home on Tuesday and have not budge since then.

The national anthem will continue to be sung before the play begins. With a 27,500-strong crowd expected, it could be the first massed renditions of God Save the King.

When rain came, God Save the Queen was just about to be sung.

Captain Stokes responded to a tweet questioning whether sporting events should be held this weekend.

Stokes wrote, "She loved sports, be honored to play in her honor."

After Harry Brook, England's debut batsman, made his debut in England, the toss will be decided. Brook chose to bowl first.

To make up lost time, the remaining three days will have at least 98 overs. However, poor lighting and a slow pace may make it difficult.

Surrey has asked spectators to be there early and in their seats by 10.30 AM for a special on-field celebration of Her Majesty’s life.

The host country stated that bars would not be open until the celebration, and that fancy dress was not permitted on any of the three days.

Areas such as outfield mats, giant screens, boundary cushions, giant screen and boundary cushions will no longer be able to display advertising. Instead, tributes to Queen Elizabeth II will.

Recreational cricket will continue as well as the women's Twenty20 match in Durham between England and India and England Under-19s against Sri Lanka in Leicester.

A spokesperson for the ECB stated that "Cricket" will resume on Saturday in tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth and to honour her extraordinary life and service.

"The DCMS was consulted and the official national mourning guidelines were followed.

"Before every match, a minute of silence will be observed. Then the national anthem will be played.

All players and coaches will be wearing black armbands. The brand-named inventory will be replaced by messaging that pays tribute to the Queen of Cricket.

The ECB hoped that the Proteas would agree to an additional day.

The spokesperson said that they had been in talks with Cricket South Africa, but that the team must fly on Tuesday to spend some days at home before going to India and Australia.

"So Saturday's play has been confirmed as the third day of a five-day Test match."

After South Africa's victory at Lord's, and England's triumph at Old Trafford, the series is now level at 1-1.