LONDON: Pakistan and England cricket teams on Thursday observed a minute of silence for the victims of Quetta blast that killed 70 before the start of the fourth Test at The Oval.

The Pakistan team also donned black arm-bands.

A suicide bomber targeted the emergency services ward at Quetta’s Civil Hospital Monday, killing mostly lawyers and journalists, and leaving scores injured.

The blast at civil hospital took place soon after dozens of lawyers gathered at the hospital following the killing of the Balochistan Bar Association President, who was shot dead on Monday morning.

England, who lead the four-Test series by 2-1, elected to bat first after Alastair Cook won the toss.

Pakistan made two changes in the line-up. Iftikhar Ahmad, who replaced Mohammad Hafeez, was handed a Test debut.

Left-arm medium-fast Rahat Ali made way for Wahab Riaz.

England remain unchanged from Edgbaston Test.