England legend Alec Stewart will be taking a leave of absence from his work with Surrey to care for his wife Lynn.
Stewart, who played 133 Tests and 170 ODIs across a stellar 14-year international career, will be stepping back from his role as Director of Cricket with CEO Steve Elworthy taking over on an interim basis.
Lynn has been battling cancer since 2013 and is set to begin a new course of treatment, with a statement from Surrey announcing that "in order to care for his wife and family at this difficult time, Alec has decided to temporarily step away from his day-to-day duties."
"All of our thoughts are with Alec, Lynn and the family and we wish them the very best," Elworthy said. "The Club will fully support Alec and the family through this leave of absence and ask everyone to please respect his request for privacy."
Stewart has been Director of Cricket at Surrey, the county where he spent his entire playing career, since 2013 and oversaw their 2015 promotion from Division Two of the County Championship before helping them win two County Championship titles.
The 59-year-old has been repeatedly linked with an England role and was among the favourites to become the new national selector, before he ultimately withdrew from the running.
Luke Wright ended up getting the job instead, announcing his retirement from professional cricket in the process. "It's a huge honour and privilege to take on this role, one that I am incredibly excited about," Wright said.
"With the Ashes and ICC Men's 50-over World Cup next year, I can't wait to get started and try to contribute after what has been a fantastic year for England men's cricket." Managing Director Rob Key added: "Off the back of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup win and a successful summer for our men's Test team, I'm delighted that Luke will be joining as England Selector.
"With his significant experience of playing in England and overseas as well as his in-depth knowledge of county cricket, he will be an important voice in squad selection while also helping to identify the next generation of England stars. It's an exciting time for England men's cricket, but with the Ashes and the ICC Men's 50-over World Cup next year there is a lot of hard work ahead if we are to build upon what has been an exciting year."
