England’s friendly against South Africa suspended and Friday’s horse race called as the world mourns the death of the Queen

British sport will pause on Friday following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

The Queen died peacefully at the age of 96 – marking the end of her historic reign and sparking a wave of grief around the world.

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The second day of the Test match between England and South Africa at The Oval has been canceled as cricket pays respects.

No action will take place, as will all scheduled games in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy.

Surrey Cricket Club tweeted: “As a mark of respect to Her Majesty there will be no play in the England v South Africa Test match on Friday 9 September.

“Another announcement about the continuation of the test match will be made in due course.”

The Queen’s beloved horse racing has been halted – Thursday night’s meetings in Southwell and Chelmsford have both been called off.

The British Horse Racing Authority also released a statement confirming the suspension of the sport until Friday.

It read: “All of British Racing mourns the death of Her Majesty The Queen today.

“Her Majesty was one of the greatest and most influential supporters in horse racing history.

The death of the Queen comes as…

“Her passion for racing and the racehorse shone brightly throughout her life, not only through her close involvement in breeding and racing, but also in her roles as Patron of the Jockey Club and Thoroughbred Breeders Association and as a figurehead of Royal Ascot.

“From her first-ever winner, Monaveen, to stars like Carrozza and Highclere, to the unforgettable Estimate, Her Majesty The Queen helped shape the breed and contributed to moments at the track that will go down in sporting folklore.

“It is therefore right that all racing is suspended for today and tomorrow as we begin to mourn the passing of Her Majesty and remember her extraordinary life and contribution to our sport and our nation.”

And tournament organizers confirmed there will be no play at the BMW PGA Championship in Wentworth on Friday.

A statement said: “On behalf of our members and everyone associated with the European Tour group and the BMW PGA Championship, it is with great sadness that we report on the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

“She really was an inspiration to people all over the world. Out of respect for Her Majesty and the Royal Family, play at the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth Club has been suspended for the remainder of Thursday and all flags at Wentworth Club will be lowered to half-mast.

“In addition, there will be no play at the BMW PGA Championship on Friday and the golf course and practice facilities will be closed. Further updates on the resumption of play will be announced in due course. Our deepest sympathy and condolences to the royal family at this time.”

Meanwhile, the Premier League has yet to announce plans for this weekend’s games.

The Chiefs will decide on Friday whether to cancel games, but the English top flight issued a statement on Twitter.

It said: “The Premier League is deeply saddened by the passing of Her Majesty The Queen, Elizabeth II.

“Our thoughts and condolences are with the Royal Family and all those around the world who are mourning the loss of Her Majesty.”

The government has no plans to enforce a closure on sport as Britain enters a 10-day national mourning following the death of the longest-reigning sovereign in British history.