Dehydrated England allrounder Ben Stokes forced off during Boxing Day Test against South Africa

The Durham man left the field on several occasions on day one at centurion in an effort to rehydrate

Ben Stokes is the latest fitness concern for England after being forced off the field during the opening day of the Boxing Day Test at Centurion after becoming dehydrated.

The 28-year-old took to the dressing room several times during each of the three sessions before a sustained break towards the end of the day.

Stokes, who has also been nursing a knee problem, will continue to be monitored as he attempts to rehydrate himself.

Selected alongside four front-line seamers, the Durham allrounder did not bowl on day one. He did, however, take a slip catch to dismiss Zubayr Hamza off Stuart Broad.

His preparation for the first Test was disrupted by his ill father being rushed to hospital earlier in the week. Dad Ged is now in a stable condition.

England's squad has been beset with illness throughout the tour.

Jack Leach, Chris Woakes and Ollie Pope were all ruled out of the Test having suffered from flu-like symptoms over the past week.

Jofra Archer and Broad, who had been bed-ridden for six days in the lead up to the game, had also been suffering with a bout of sickness.

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