England star all-rounder Ben Stokes has missed England’s training session on Tuesday to look after his father, who is in critical condition.
“Ben Stokes’s father, Ged was admitted to hospital on Monday in Johannesburg after suffering a serious illness. He remains in a critical condition,” said ECB in an official statement.
“The all-rounder will not be at England’s training session at SuperSport Park this Tuesday so that he can be at his father’s bedside.
“The England and Wales Cricket Board, with the support of Ben and his family, request that the media and public respect Ben and his family’s privacy at this time,” the statement added.
Stokes, who was instrumental in England’s dramatic win over New Zealand in the World Cup final held in July, was voted Professional Cricketers’ Association (PCA) player of the year early October.
The batsman also made a remarkable unbeaten 135 to win the third Ashes Test against Australia at Headingley. Holders Australia, however, went on to retain the Ashes as the series was drawn 2-2.
In their recent tour to New Zealand, the Three Lions won the T20I series 3-2, while lost the two-match Test series 1-0.
England play South Africa in the first Test match of the four-match series at the SuperSport Park Cricket Stadium in Centurion starting December 26.