Stokes struck by dehydration, father ill
Ben Stokes took the field on day one of England’s first test against South Africa with his ill father still in hospital but the all-rounder’s involvement was restricted because of another sickness scare to afflict the England team.
His father, former Kiwis international Ged Stokes, is in a stable condition and improving after being admitted to hospital in Johannesburg with a serious illness on Monday (Tuesday NZ time).
Stokes returned to training ahead of England’s Boxing Day test at Centurion but did not bowl on the opening day because he was dealing with dehydration, the UK’s Daily Telegraph reported.
The 28-year-old was off the field for long spells but England do not believe he was struck down with the flu that has run through the team since they arrived in South Africa.
Veteran quick James Anderson marked his 150th test appearance with a wicket off the first ball of the series but England lost a little of their early impetus as South Africa recovered from 111-5 to reach 277-9 at stumps on the first day.
Stokes, England’s vice-captain, took two catches to remove Zubayr Hamza and Keshav Maharaj after his involvement in the match was in doubt with his father in intensive care.
The Daily Telegraph said Stokes is expected to bat after he finished the first day fielding at slip and team-mate Sam Curran indicated he would shake off the sickness and continue playing.
‘‘There’s been some dehydration issues,’’ Curran said. ‘‘But we all know his character. He is very strong.’’
Cantabrian Ged Stokes was planning to attend the test in Johannesburg with a number of family members before falling ill but he was well enough for his son Ben, the Christchurch-born star of England’s cricket team, to play after he missed training on Christmas Eve to be at his bedside.
A statement from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said: ‘‘Ben Stokes’ father, Ged, has shown signs of improvement following his admittance to hospital in Johannesburg on Monday. He remains in intensive care, but has responded positively to treatment and is now in a stable condition.’’
Meanwhile, Anderson had Dean Elgar out caught behind down the legside at SuperSport Park to give England immediate reward for loading their bowling attack with quick bowlers and putting South Africa in to bat.
Stuart Broad, Anderson’s long-time pace partner, and newcomer Curran followed up as South Africa struggled to 111-5 soon after lunch before recovering. Broad took three wickets and Curran 4-57 in his best bowling performance for England so far.
Quinton de Kock led a middle-order revival for South Africa with his 95 off 128 balls. De Kock blasted 14 fours to hit South Africa out of trouble and found help from debutant Dwaine Pretorius (33) and Vernon Philander (28 not out). AP with Stuff