Ben Stokes will miss the first match of England’s tour of South Africa to attend BBC Sports Personality of the Year.
The all-rounder is the red-hot favourite to claim the crown after a sensational year including starring roles in England’s World Cup win and the drawn Ashes series with Australia.
As a result the ECB have made the decision to allow the 28-year-old to miss the match with a South African Invitational XI in Benoni.
Stokes will attend the star-studded ceremony in Aberdeen on December 15 before jetting out to South Africa.
Commenting on his nomination Stokes said: “Overwhelmed by this and buzzing to be nominated. 2019 has been so good. There are so many people to thank for helping me receive this nomination.
“Congratulations to all the other nominees. Looking forward to being in Aberdeen on the 15th.”
England footballer Raheem Sterling as well as athletics stars Dina Asher-Smith and Katarina Johnson-Thompson are expected to challenge Stokes for the award.
But with Stokes tipped to lift it the call has been made behind the scenes for him to be allowed to be there in person with head coach Chris Silverwood and captain Joe Root said to be behind the decision.
