Ben Stokes looks set to remain in England’s middle order when their bid for T20 success gets under way.

There have been some calls for Stokes to be promoted to open after some fireworks from the Cumbrian in the IPL.

Stokes blasted 107 not out from 60 balls for Rajasthan Royals, but England head coach Chris Silverwood has hinted that Jos Buttler will remain at the top of the order when the three-match international series starts in Cape Town today.

Silverwood said: “It’s great that those two guys get experience of doing different things and it doesn’t ever hurt them as players to explore different options.

“We’re pretty certain about the way we want to go.

“We’re blessed with the batsmen we’ve got here, world-class players capable of doing a multitude of jobs.”

Stokes is expected to bat at number five or six as England bid to reclaim their world No1 ranking, which is within reach if they claim a 3-0 series victory.

Four members of the South African squad are self-isolating after two tested positive for Covid-19.