Stokes to lead England as Root set to miss July 8 Test match vs Windies2Photo1Video© business-standard.com

Stokes to lead England as Root set to miss July 8 Test match vs Windies

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England skipper Joe Root is set to miss the opening Test against West Indies next week to attend the birth of his second child.

Star all-rounder Ben Stokes will lead the team for the first time in Root's absence.

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.

Root has thrown his weight behind the all-rounder for being the interim captain, describing him as a "natural leader".