Ian Bell is to fly home after the first Test against India for the birth of his first child.

The 30-year-old will miss the second match to be with his wife Chantelle, but plans to be back at the crease for the third Test in Kolkata.

Bell told the Daily Mail: "[Team director Andy Flower] was really supportive and keen for me to go home but disappointed I will not be around.

"If we win the Test that I miss and something happens, I will have to fight like hell to get my place back. That's the risk you take.

"But it is the most exciting part of my life, and I am willing to do that. I'd like to think I'd be able to come straight back into the team, and I hope we win the Test."

England's first Test against India begins on November 15.

Written by
Sian Cowper