England all-rounder Ben Stokes will miss the remainder of the ongoing Test series against Pakistan for family reasons, the England and Wales Cricket Board announced Sunday.

"Stokes will leave the UK later this week and travel to New Zealand," said an ECB statement.

"He will miss England's two Test matches against Pakistan at the Ageas Bowl (starting) on Thursday 13 August and Friday 21 August."

Stokes played in the England side that beat Pakistan by three wickets at Old Trafford on Saturday to go 1-0 up in three-match series.

Stokes had a forgettable outing in the first Test against Pakistan scoring a duck in the first innings, followed by nine in the second. Although he did not bowl in the first innings, he picked up two crucial wickets in the second to help bowl Pakistan for 169. Chasing 277, England were in deep trouble when they were reduced to 117 for 5, but Chris Woakes and Jos Buttler then put on 139 for the sixth wicket to help their side get over the line. 

After hosting three Tests in a row, the action finally shifts from Manchester to Southampton, where Pakistan and England will fight it out to win the series. The Azhar Ali-led side put on an excellent fight in the first Test, but lost their day on the final day when their bowlers could not get the job done. 

(With inputs from AFP)