What England Pacer Ollie Robinson Said About Singing New UK National Anthem

Ollie Robinson revealed England cricketers had worries about singing the new British national anthem at the Oval on Saturday in case they got the words wrong. Before play in the third Test against South Africa finally started on the scheduled third day of five, England paid their respects to the late Queen Elizabeth II, whose death aged 96 was announced on Thursday.

After play on the opening day was washed out without a ball bowled and Friday's second day abandoned completely as a mark of respect to Britain's longest-serving monarch, teams and officials, all wearing black armbands, lined up on the outfield at the Oval.

While commonplace in international football or rugby union, playing a national anthem is a relatively rare occurrence before the start of a cricket Test match.

But both countries' anthems were sung by soprano Laura Wright, with the crowd in south London joining in a moving rendition of 'God Save the King', a small but significant change to the lyrics of 'God Save the Queen' that had lasted for 70 years now Charles III is on the throne.

Sussex seamer Robinson, 28, took a Test-best 5-49 as South Africa were dismissed for a meagre 118 before England ended the day on 154-7.

But he appeared to be more worried by the anthem than his bowling on Saturday.

"We had to remind ourselves of what we were actually going to sing," Robinson told reporters after stumps.

"There was a few nervy characters walking down the steps."

- 'Special morning' -

Robinson added: "It was really special to be able to sing it at this sport event and it was a really special morning and honour to be a part of."

As for his bowling, Robinson, who has now taken 49 wickets in 11 Tests at an impressive average of under 20, said: "I actually didn't