Stokes to make last-minute call whether to play
● Star trains as dad’s condition improves
SOUTH AFRICA
V ENGLAND
First Test Supersport Park, Centurion
Today, 8am
Live on Sky Sports Main Event
Ben Stokes was set to make a late decision this morning whether to take the field for England’s Boxing Day Test against South Africa after his father entered “a stable condition” in a Johannesburg hospital.
Ged Stokes, who had been planning to attend the match in Centurion with a number of family members, was admitted with a serious illness on Monday night and remains in intensive care.
All-rounder Stokes missed training on Christmas Eve to be at his bedside but rejoined his team-mates during their session yesterday morning.
The 28-year-old practised hard in the middle but England will give him all the time and space possible to decide whether he feels able to commit to a five-day match.
A statement from the England and Wales Cricket Board 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.
“The Stokes family wishes to thank everyone for their support and in particular the medical practitioners in South Africa for their care of Ged.”
Stokes was not the only player to have a question mark against his name, with the sickness bug that has swept the camp continuing to affect the tourists’ plans.
Stuart Broad and Jofra Archer were badly affected throughout the team’s first week in South Africa but despite missing both warm-up matches, the pair have rallied.
While they continue to improve, both Chris Woakes and Ollie Pope were struck down with the flu-like symptoms yesterday.
Woakes sat out each of the last two practice sessions, and maybe replaced by Sam Curran or Craig Overton
Surrey’s Pope was pencilled in at number six and made a fine hundred against South Africa A but needed to convince the medical staff of his readiness this morning. If he is not risked, Jonny Bairstow, who was recalled after being left out of the recent trip to New Zealand is set to step in.
Jack Leach is also struggling having failed to shake off the illness, but England were already erring towards going into the game without a specialist spinner.