England ace all-rounder Benjamin Andrew Stokes will miss the remainder of the two Test matches against Pakistan due to family reasons, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has confirmed.
The #1 ranked Test all-rounder will travel to his hometown, New Zealand, later this week.
Stokes' father Ged was hospitalised late in 2019 before the Boxing Day Test against South Africa during England's winter tour, and has since been recuperating back home in New Zealand.
While his father recovered in hospital after undergoing three operations, Stokes continued to play on for England, helping clinch a 3-1 series triumph over the Proteas.
Stokes has featured in all four Tests played on home soil so far this year, captaining the team in Joe Root's absence for the opener against West Indies in July.
The #1 ranked Test all-rounder will travel to his hometown, New Zealand, later this week.
Stokes' father Ged was hospitalised late in 2019 before the Boxing Day Test against South Africa during England's winter tour, and has since been recuperating back home in New Zealand.
While his father recovered in hospital after undergoing three operations, Stokes continued to play on for England, helping clinch a 3-1 series triumph over the Proteas.
Stokes has featured in all four Tests played on home soil so far this year, captaining the team in Joe Root's absence for the opener against West Indies in July.
However, the 29-year-old – who has been struggling with an injury which restricted him to just four overs of bowling in the victory over Pakistan in Manchester – will not be available for the next two matches, both to be played at the Rose Bowl.
However, England - who went 1-0 up against Pakistan on Saturday - will now be without their vice-captain in Southampton.
The second Test of the three-match series will be played at the Ageas Bowl from August 13.
