Former England cricket captain Alec Stewart will be stepping back from his role as director of cricket at Surrey to support his wife in her battle against cancer. Stewart, who has been at Surrey for 11 years, will transition to a new position as a high-performance cricket adviser starting in January. This move will allow him to spend more time caring for his wife Lynn, who has been fighting secondary breast cancer for the past 12 years.
Stewart’s decision to reduce his workload comes as he prioritises supporting his wife through her ongoing health challenges. In his new role, Stewart will work a fixed number of days per year and will be tasked with continuing Surrey’s success following their recent County Championship victories. Despite the changes, he will continue to collaborate with Surrey head coach Gareth Batty and captain Rory Burns, while also providing guidance on the talent development pathway.
In a heartfelt statement to the Telegraph, Stewart shared insights into his wife’s health journey, acknowledging the ups and downs they have faced together. He emphasised the importance of managing the situation with the support of medical professionals and maintaining a positive outlook. Stewart highlighted the resilience and bravery of his wife in confronting the challenges posed by her illness, expressing his commitment to being there for her through thick and thin.
Having amassed an impressive 40,936 runs for Surrey during his playing career, Stewart’s deep connection to the club is evident. His new role as a cricket adviser reflects Surrey’s recognition of his expertise and dedication to the team. Club chairman Oli Slipper praised Stewart’s long-standing contributions to Surrey and expressed satisfaction in finding a role that allows Stewart to balance his personal responsibilities while continuing to make a valuable impact on the club.
Stewart’s decision to adjust his role at Surrey underscores the importance of prioritising family and health during challenging times. His commitment to supporting his wife’s well-being serves as a reminder of the human side of professional athletes and administrators. As he takes on this new chapter in his career, Stewart’s dedication to both his family and his beloved cricket club shines through, inspiring others to show compassion and understanding in the face of adversity.