STRAUSS WILL NOT RETURN TO ASHES TOUR FOLLOWING WIFE'S CANCER DIAGNOSIS

Director of England cricket had been due to fly back to Australia for the fourth Test

Director of England cricket Andrew Strauss will miss the rest of the Ashes after his wife was diagnosed with cancer.

Strauss had flown home after the second Test in Adelaide for a scheduled visit and was due to return to Australia for the Boxing Day meeting with Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

However, he will no longer fly back Down Under and will stay with his wife Ruth as she undergoes tests.

^{Andrew Strauss will not rejoin the Ashes tour}

"Andrew Strauss, director of England cricket, will not return to the Ashes this winter," an ECB spokesperson said.

"His wife, Ruth, has been diagnosed with cancer and is going through a series of medical tests before Christmas.

"His family need Andrew's full support at this time."

MORE FROM THE CRICKETER: ICC pledge to take match-fixing allegations seriously