Ben Stokes to deputise as captain for the first time in Southampton with Jos Buttler vice-captain for Test
Friday 3 July 2020 15:58, UK
Joe Root will miss England's first Test against West Indies in order to be at the birth of his second child.
The Test captain will leave the training camp at the Ageas Bowl on Wednesday afternoon in order to be with his wife, Carrie, who is expecting to give birth later this week.
Due to coronavirus protocols, Root will have to self-isolate for seven days once he leaves hospital with his family.
It will mean Root will miss England's three-day intra-squad warm-up match starting on Wednesday and the first Test against West Indies commencing on Wednesday, July 8 at the Ageas Bowl, live on Sky Sports Cricket.
The batsman's absence will end a run of 77 consecutive Tests for England before he is expected to join up with the squad ahead of the second Test at Old Trafford on Monday July 13.
In his absence, Durham all-rounder Ben Stokes, who has been Root's Test vice-captain since his appointment last July, will captain the side for the first time in Southampton.
England head coach Chris Silverwood believes Stokes will take naturally to the captaincy, telling Sky Sports News: "I think he'll be very good.
"Ben is already very closely involved in a lot of the decision making that goes on - he helps Joe a lot on the park.
"He knows the ins and outs already; he's a talisman and a leader out there anyway. He leads from the front whether he is batting, bowling or fielding, and I think he'll bring a lot of energy to the role.
"It's a great opportunity for him to put his own stamp on a game and enjoy himself."
Wicketkeeper Jos Buttler, who serves as vice-captain to Eoin Morgan in the limited-overs side and has also been Root's deputy in the past, will be Stokes' second-in-command.
