Stokes, Woakes add to England uncertainties against South Africa

England will have to make "a very late call" on ir playing XI for first Test against South Africa, starting at Centurion on Thursday, captain Joe Root said on Tuesday. With all-rounder Ben Stokes at bedside of his critically ill far and Chris Woakes latest victim of illness that has swept through touring squad, Root admitted that build-up to four-match World Test Championship series had been "frustrating".

READ | Jonty Rhodes Set To Feature In South Africa's World Cup Squad After 17 Years

'England could field a very competitive team'

But Root said he was confident that England could field "a very competitive team" even if some leading players were t available. Stokes' far Ged was admitted to hospital in nearby Johannesburg on Monday with what an England statement said was a "serious illness". Fellow all-rounder, Woakes did t train on Tuesday because of illness, but Root said recovering Stuart Broad, Jofra Archer and Jack Leach were making good progress.  "We will have to keep m monitored over next couple of days and see how things go." 

READ | Sourav Ganguly Opens Up On 'unbelievable' Mindset During Lord's Debut Hundred In 1996

Root did t speculate on chances of Stokes being able to play. "It puts things in perspective," he said.  "We need to play good hard cricket and win this series but most important for us as a squad is we need to make sure that Ben and his family get all support y need."  England captain added: "It's been quite frustrating in many ways but we have to handle it and get on with it and make sure guys who are selected are ready to go. "We've got some very competitive players who are desperate to prove mselves. If y get an opportunity y will want to come out and put in a performance for England. We're going to have to make a very late call on our team." 

READ | Steve Smith Prepares Against Blackcaps' Short Ball Ploy, Says 'excited' To Play At MCG

READ | South Africa Seek Happy End To Bad Year Against England