Ben Stokes set to miss England tour opener in South Africa
Ben Stokes will miss the two-day match against a South Africa Invitational XI that starts England’s winter tour.
The 27-year-old will join up with the squad on Tuesday – the day the match starts – after attending the BBC Sports Personality awards ceremony on Sunday.
Stokes was named BBC Sports Personality of the Year at the event in Aberdeen.
READ: The alternative SPOTY: Cricket Personality of the Year
Coach Silverwood said returning fast bowler James Anderson is in “fantastic physical condition” after injury.
Lancashire’s Anderson, 37, has not played for England since the opening Test of the Ashes in August, because of a calf problem.
Jofra Archer is a doubt to face the Invitational XI as he has a cold while fellow bowler Mark Wood – who has not played since July’s World Cup final because of side and knee injuries – also misses out as he continues to receive treatment.
Latest
-
NewsCraig Overton and Lyndon James star in big wins for Somerset and Nottinghamshire
The paceman picked up five second innings wickets to set up victory.
-
NewsGloucestershire escape the bad weather as David Payne rolls over Middlesex
The seamer claimed six for 56 and 10 wickets in the match as the visitors secured a comfortable win.
-
NewsOn this day in 2004: Muttiah Muralitharan beats Shane Warne to Test record
Muralitharan surpassed Courtney Walsh’s mark of 519 Test wickets.
-
NewsCraig Overton displays all-round talents to put Somerset on top
James Bracey also excelled as Gloucestershire pushed for victory over Middlesex.
-
NewsNottinghamshire in control against Essex as 15 wickets fall at Trent Bridge
James Anderson removed Marnus Labuschagne cheaply.
-
NewsEngland could stage remaining IPL games in September as counties contact ECB
It is believed the matches could be wrapped up in little over a fortnight if a model of two games a day and three on weekends was adopted.
-
NewsOn This Day in 1988 – Worcestershire’s Graeme Hick scores 405 in single innings
Hick set a 20th-century County Championship record six years before Brian Lara broke it with his 501 not out for Warwickshire.
-
NewsJofra Archer shows flashes of top form on return from injury
Archer continued his return to action in a Second XI County Championship match at Hove.
-
NewsChris Jordan says suspending IPL ‘the right call’ as he awaits return to England
There has already been plenty of debate over whether the tournament should have continued as long as it did during a public health emergency.
-
NewsOn this day in 2011: Alastair Cook was named as England’s new ODI captain
Cook replaced Andrew Strauss, who retired from one-day cricket, while Broad took over from Paul Collingwood.