England skipper Joe Root is set to miss the opening Test against West Indies next week to attend the birth of his second child, BBC reported on Monday. All-rounder Ben Stokes could lead the team for the first time in Root’s absence.
The Test series, which will be played in bio-secure venues, will mark the resumption of cricket after a three-month long coronavirus hiatus.
Read - I’m Scottie Pippen to Joe Root’s Michael Jordan: Ben Stokes on potentially being England captain
The first game of the three-Test series begins at the Aegeas Bowl in Southampton from July 8 and Root’s wife is due around the same time.
Earlier, Root had thrown his weight behind the all-rounder for being the interim captain, describing him as a “leader”.
Root is also a doubtful starter for the second Test as the skipper will be required to undergo seven days of self-isolation before joining the team.
Last week, England and Wales Cricket Board’s director of cricket Ashley Giles had said the board hopes to allow players to leave and re-enter the team “bubble” during the series, including Root.