Harry to watch as England face South Africa in Cricket World Cup

The Duke of Sussex will watch England take on South Africa in one of the Cricket World Cup’s opening matches.

Harry will launch the global event with a short speech at the Oval in South London before the home side – and tournament favourites – begin their campaign.

England are ranked world number one after four solid years on an upward trajectory and the nation’s captain Eoin Morgan said they have the chance to give their sport a once-in-a-lifetime lift over the next six weeks.

The duke could not resist stoking the rivalry between England and Australia ahead of the tournament on Wednesday when the team captains met at Buckingham Palace.

Harry jokingly needled Australia’s captain Aaron Finch asking him “You’re getting on a bit now, aren’t you? How long have you been playing?” making the batsman laugh.

The Queen also met the group of world-class bowlers, batters and all-rounders who later joined a palace garden party.

Harry will meet school children aged 8-12 years old who have been selected as Anthem Children from the Cricket World Cup youth engagement programme before the match begins.

He will also spend time with a group of young people picked as flag bearers who will walk out ahead of the teams, carrying the competing nations’ flags for the pre-match national anthems.

Harry, who became a father for the first time earlier this month, will watch part of the match before leaving.