Andrew Strauss not returning to Ashes tour after wife Ruth diagnosed with cancer

The England and Wales Cricket Board has confirmed that Andrew Strauss will not be returning to the Ashes tour of Australia after his wife was diagnosed with cancer.

The director of England cricket had been scheduled to miss the third Test in Perth and return for the fourth in Melbourne, but will now stay at home.

Strauss left Australia after Joe Root's team went 2-0 down in Adelaide, having spent much of the tour answering questions about the off-field behaviour of the tourists.

An ECB spokesperson said in a statement: "Andrew Strauss, Director of England cricket, will not return to The Ashes this winter.

"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."

The former England captain has been in the role since May 2015, taking the job three years after ending his playing career after 100 Test appearances.