Root to miss WI Test, Stokes to lead England

LONDON: England skipper Joe Root is set to miss the opening Test against West Indies next week to attend the birth of his second child. Ben Stokes will lead the team for the first time in Root’s absence. The first game of the three-Test series begins in Southampton from July 8 and Root’s wife is due around the same time. “He’s (Stokes) very well equipped to do a fantastic job for us,” Root told BBC calling Stokes a natural leader. Root is also doubtful for the second Test as the skipper will be required to undergo seven days of self-isolation before rejoining the team.