Ben Stokes' father now in a 'stable condition' in hospital
Ben Stokes' father Ged is said to be in a "stable condition" in a Johannesburg hospital, after falling 'seriously' ill two days before Christmas.
The England and Wales Cricket Board announced the former rugby league player was taken in with a "serious illness" on Monday.
The 28-year-old all-rounder will still attend England's training session at SuperSport Park in Centurion, which is 45 minutes north of Johannesburg.
In a statement the England and Wales Cricket Board today said: "He remains in intensive care, but has responded positively to treatment and is now in a stable condition.
"England will train at SuperSport Park today and Ben is expected to play a full part in the practice ahead of the first Test, starting on Boxing Day."
"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 England and Wales Cricket Board continues to request that the media and public respect Ben and his family's privacy at this time."
The news of Ged's illness was releasedby England Cricket on Twitter, it read: " Ben Stokes' father, Ged, was admitted to hospital on Monday in Johannesburg after suffering a serious illness. He remains in critical condition
"The all-rounder will not be at England's training session at SuperSport Park this afternoon so that he can at his dad'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."
England captain Joe Root, speaking at a press conference, said: "It puts things in perspective. We're here to play good, hard cricket but it's important as a squad that we want Ben and his family to have all the support they can get.
"I want to stress the importance of respecting his privacy. All the players and squad want to show Ben our support.
"What's most important is we support him and his family. It's crucial that comes first."
England will allow Stokes whatever freedom he needs ahead of the Test match and will rejig their team as necessary if he is unable to feature.
Former clubs have also been sending Ged their best wishes.