England's batsman Joe Root celebrates his double century (200 runs) on day four of the second cricket Test match between England and New Zealand at Seddon Park in Hamilton on December 2, 2019. (Photo by DAVID GRAY / AFP)
England captain Joe Root is set to miss the first Cricket Test against the West Indies next week to attend the birth of his second child.
The Test begins on 8th July and limits on player movements for the bio-secure matches mean Root will be unable to leave and immediately rejoin the squad.
Ben Stokes is set to captain England for the first time in Root’s absence. On Saturday, Root backed the all-rounder’s ability to lead the team, describing him as a “natural leader”.
