Duncan Fletcher: a quick trip back to South Africa © Getty Images

Duncan Fletcher, the England coach, has left England's tour of India to accompany his sick wife, Marina, back to South Africa. Fletcher will return to India a few hours before England's next match against India, in Goa, on Monday.

"Duncan will be touching down in Cape Town, and getting straight back on the next available flight," James Avery, ECB media manager, told Cricinfo. "He will definitely be back in India for the next one-day international." Matthew Maynard, the assistant coach, will take charge of the training session on Sunday

"[It's] shocking news. It obviously takes a lot for Duncan to leave the tour - he's a very loyal bloke - but family must come first," Nasser Hussain told Sky Sports.

Fletcher is the latest member of England's touring squad to have to leave for various reasons. Michael Vaughan and Simon Jones were forced out through injury before the Test series while Steve Harmison is missing the one-day series with a shin problem. Marcus Trescothick also flew home, for personal reasons, after England's second warm-up match ahead of the opening Test.

England face India in the third one-dayer in Goa and trail in the series 2-0.