England skipper Joe Root could miss Southampton Test against West Indies, backs 'fantastic' Ben Stokes to lead

England captain Joe Root would be missing the first Test match against West Indies in July if it clashes with the birth of his child. However, Root has given his full backing to vice-captain Ben Stokes, who would be taking over the charge if the right-handed batsman is absent from the inaugural Test of the three-match Test series against the Men from the Caribbean.

The Test series between England and West Indies is set to commence from July 8 in Southampton, subject to government approval.
Root’s wife Carrie is due to give birth to their second child early in July and the English Test captain confirmed that he is in talks with the board about whether he would be able to leave the on-site hotel and then return to the bio-secure venue.

“The due date complicates things slightly. In terms of the bubble and the pregnancy, it’s always an evolving thing,” Root told reporters.

“It’s being discussed with the medical team and we’re always trying to stay updated with it. How it will finally look I’m not exactly sure right now.

“It will have to come down to government guidelines and we have to make sure we follow those protocols and do whatever is right by that.”

Root backed ICC Player of the Year – Ben Stokes – to make a “fantastic” captain in his absence as the all-rounder leads by example.

“One of his great qualities as vice-captain is the example he sets -- the way he goes about his training, how he wants the ball in difficult circumstances, the way he stands up in difficult scenarios with the bat,” Root added.

England vs West Indies, Test series - Full schedule

• 1st Test v West Indies: 8-12 July at Ageas Bowl

• 2nd Test v West Indies: 16-20 July at Emirates Old Trafford

• 3rd Test v West Indies: 24-28 July at Emirates Old Trafford

“He drags people with him, gets the best out of players around him and gives the whole team a lift. People will always follow him, look up to him and want to play for him whether he is captain or not.

“Those are great qualities to have as leader and something he could definitely take into captaincy. I love having him as vice-captain and could see him doing a very good job as captain.”