BEN STOKES was his usual dynamic self as he joined England’s Christmas Day training hours after visiting his ‘seriously ill’ dad in hospital.
The BBC Sports Personality of the Year is expected to delay a decision over playing in the Test series opener against South Africa on Boxing Day until the morning.
But he looked as committed as ever during practice, boosted by the news his father Ged, 64, is now said to be in a stable condition, albeit still in intensive care.
Stokes senior is in a Johannesburg hospital but has responded to treatment and reportedly showing signs of improvement.
An ECB statment said: “The Stokes family wishes to thank everyone for their support and in particular the medical practitioners in South Africa for their care of Ged.
“The ECB continues to request that the media and public respect Ben and his family’s privacy at this time.”
Meanwhile, although Stokes Junior looked in good nick as he flung himself around in training, three colleagues are big doubts due to a sickness bug sweeping theurists’ camp.
Surrey right-hander Ollie Palmer, a century-maker in the final warm-up game against South Africa A, joined the absentee list for practice.
Illness had already hit all-rounder Chris Woakes and spinner Jack Leach.
Pope also stood in as wicketkeeper in the Second Test against new Zealand.
So if he misses out misses out at Centurion tomorrow, then fit-again Jos Buttler should return behind the stumps and Jonny Bairstow could be recalled as a specialist batsman.
Pacemen Jofra Archer and Stuart Broad were back in training on Christmas Eve and Xmas Day after they too fell ill.
