England hope Alex Hales is fit for duty

England are crossing their fingers that Alex Hales is fit for the third Test against South Africa after the opener became the latest player to be hit by a virus.

England paceman James Anderson, centre, stretches during a training session at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg ahead of the Third Test which starts today. Picture: Getty

Reserve seamer Chris Jordan and batsman Nick Compton have already come through a sickness bug, while a number of the team’s families also suffered during the Cape Town Test, but the timing of Hales’ predicament is more worrying. He was fit enough to net in Johannesburg yesterday, though England were concerned enough by his symptoms to ensure he did so away from the rest of the group.

The Nottinghamshire batsman would be expected to play unless his condition worsens overnight but Yorkshire’s Gary Ballance is on standby should he be needed.

In that instance Compton, having opened the batting in his first nine Tests for England, would join captain Alastair Cook at the top of the order, with Ballance slotting into the middle order.

“Alex Hales has got a bit of a bug, yesterday and today. He’s come for a hit and he’ll go back after that so he doesn’t infect the rest of us,” said Cook.

“We’ll have to wait and see on him, but he’s having a hit so he can’t be too bad. It seems to strike a bit randomly. Nick had it the other day and he’s fine.”

While Hales’ participation will be resolved by the time of the toss, there is a lingering worry that other players could fall ill mid-match. “You can’t do anything about it as a captain, the medical team are on it,” said Cook. “It’s just a virus bug, so it’s hard to stop. If it happens in the game then it’s bad luck isn’t it?”

England go into the Test knowing victory would give them a decisive 2-0 lead with one to play. The prize is a big one – with the Proteas ranked number one in the world and England having only won once on these shores since South Africa’s sporting readmission.

“It would be a great achievement for this side to come here and beat South Africa away from home. And we’re in a position to do that,” said Cook.

“The opportunity is there and it’s just whether we’re good enough to take it.”

South Africa will be led for the first time at the Wanderers by AB de Villiers, who inherited the reins when Hashim Amla resigned last week.

“I am a very competitive person and I truly hate losing. Losing is not an option,” said De Villiers who promises to bring a more dynamic leadership style than his scholarly predecessor.

South Africa have released spinner Dane Piedt from their squad, alongside batsman Rilee Rossouw, confirming they will go in with an all-out pace quartet. The hosts expect pace and bounce at the Wanderers and are ready to hand a debut to the rapid Hardus Viljoen on his home ground.