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
-
NewsAngelo Mathews: Sri Lanka batsmen ‘can learn a lot’ from Joe Root
Mathews hailed Root’s ‘magnificent innings’ in the first Test.
-
NewsDawid Malan happy to stay put after Trent Rockets’ show of faith
The England batsman has earned an improved deal in The Hundred.
-
NewsEngland coach Chris Silverwood grateful for gift of the Gabba
India’s famous win over Australia grabbed the England squad’s attention in Galle.
-
NewsA look at unbeaten sporting runs following end of Australia’s Gabba dominance
Australia had not been beaten at the Gabba since 1988.
-
NewsJustin Langer: Rishabh Pant’s innings reminded me of Ben Stokes at Headingley
India’s Shubman Gill and Pant inspired a record-breaking victory over Australia at the Gabba.
-
NewsTim Paine: India deserves winners, outplayed Australia
Australia captain Tim Paine has conceded that his side were outplayed in key moments of the series and that India were deserved winners.
-
NewsRishabh Pant reflects on ‘dream series’ after India stun Australia at the Gabba
India’s Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant inspired a record-breaking victory at the Gabba.
-
NewsIndia move to the top of ICC rankings
After beating Australia by three wickets in the fourth Test on Tuesday, India moved to the number spot on the ICC World Test Championship.
-
NewsRishabh Pant unbeaten 89 steers India to series win over Australia
India pulled off a record run chase at the Gabba to inflict Australia’s first defeat there since 1988.
-
NewsJoe Root shares victory call with fan who waited 10 months for team to arrive
England’s Test captain spoke with Rob Lewis, who has been in Sri Lanka since March, from a distance.