South Africa's Jacques Kallis may miss the first Test against England next week after deciding to remain at home with his cancer-stricken father Henry, according to a BBC report.

The 27-year-old all-rounder flew back to South Africa to be with his father, who has lung cancer, following last Saturday's one-day triangular series final defeat by England.

Kallis was due to return to England in time for the first Test at Edgbaston, which starts next Thursday. But according to the BBC, he has now decided to extend his stay indefinitely.

"We appreciate that this is an extremely difficult and emotional time for Jacques," South Africa coach Eric Simons said in a statement.

"I have told him that he must take as much time as he needs to be with his father. He is a vital member of our squad but ultimately the well-being of a player's family comes before any game of cricket."

Kallis changed his shirt number to 65 -- the age of his father -- for the one-day series. He was in brilliant form with the bat during the triangular tournament, scoring two centuries and an unbeaten 82.