Ben Stokes will miss the rest of England's series against Pakistan for family reasons.
The all-rounder is set to fly to Christchurch in New Zealand, where his parents live.
“Stokes will leave the UK later this week and travel to New Zealand,” the England and Wales Cricket Board said in a statement.
“He will miss England's two Test matches against Pakistan at the Ageas Bowl on Thursday 13 August and Friday 21 August.”
Stokes had played all four of the bio-secure Test matches so far this summer, including captaining England’s Test side for the first time, against West Indies.
He is understood to have informed his teammates of his decision to leave the squad after they completed their three-wicket win over Pakistan at Old Trafford on Saturday.
Last winter, his father Ged was hospitalised with a serious illness.
