Sussex T20 skipper Ross Taylor has returned home to New Zealand.

He will miss their final group fixture at home to Essex on Friday, in which Sharks will attempt to clinch a quarter-final place.

Ben Brown, who skippers the four-day side, will take charge.

In a statement, Sussex said Taylor had returned home for “family reasons”.

His wife is due to give birth to their third child this month.

Head coach Mark Davis, said: “It’s a blow to us to lose Ross. However, that gives somebody else an opportunity to represent the club in a very important game on Friday night.

“We wish Ross and his family all the best.”

A decision has not yet been taken on whether Taylor will return to the club should the side qualify for next week’s Blast quarter finals.