Surrey boss Alec Stewart will be on leave to look after his wife Lynn during her cancer battle

Alec Stewart has temporarily given up his role as cricket director in Surrey for family reasons.

‘Alec’s wife Lynn has been battling cancer since 2013 and as she begins new treatment, Alec has decided to temporarily step away from his daily duties to look after his wife and family at this difficult time. ‘” said a statement from Surrey.

Stewart, 59, will be temporarily replaced at the Kia Oval by Surrey chief executive Steve Elworthy.

Alec Stewart will take a leave of absence to care for his wife Lynn during her cancer battle

Stewart is temporarily stepping down from his role as Director of Cricket at Surrey

Elworthy also sent a personal message to the Stewart family, saying: “All our thoughts are with Alec, Lynn and the family and we wish them well.

“The club will give Alec and the family their full support during this leave of absence and ask everyone to respect his request for privacy.”

Stewart is a popular figure in English cricket, having made 133 Test appearances for his country between 1990 and 2003.

Stewart is a popular character in the game and is England’s fourth-best test player

Only James Anderson, Alastair Cook and Stuart Broad have played more friendly games for England.

Surrey won its second County Championship title with Stewart at the helm last summer and the gates at the Vauxhall End of The Oval are named after him in honor of his services to the club.

During his nine-year tenure, he was approached by the ECB for a number of roles in England, but each time refused advances in favor of staying close to family rather than traveling abroad.