Ben Stokes’ father, Ged Stokes, has been admitted to hospital in Johannesburg, after suffering from a ‘serious illness’, according to a statement issued by ECB.

As a consequence, the English all-rounder will miss his team’s training session on Tuesday, ahead of the first Test against South Africa, to be at his father’s bedside. As per the statement, his father remains in a critical condition.

Ged Stokes, a 64-year-old former New Zealand rugby league international player, played one rugby Test match for the Kiwis in 1982. He went on to pursue coaching thereafter.

“The all-rounder will not be at England’s training session at SuperSport Park this afternoon so that he can be at his father’s bedside,” the statement said. “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 first Test of the four-match series between England and South Africa begins on Boxing Day.