England all-rounder Ben Stokes will miss the rest of the test series against Pakistan for family reasons.
The England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirms Stokes will fly to New Zealand later this week and will miss England's two test matches against Pakistan at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton, starting on August 13 and August 21.
The 29-year-old has featured in all four test matches this summer, leading the team in Joe Root's absence against West Indies last month.
"The England & Wales Cricket Board, along with the Stokes family, requests that all media respects the family's privacy at this time," the board says.
The Sunday Times is reporting that Stokes is coming home to be with unwell father Ged.
Ged Stokes, a former rugby league international, fell ill during the Christmas period, while England were touring South Africa.
England have a 1-0 lead in the series against Pakistan, after winning the opening test by three wickets at Old Trafford on Saturday.
Reuters
