England captain Michael Vaughan left the second Test match against New Zealand here at Headingley on Friday just in time to be with his wife as she gave birth to the couple's first child.

New Zealand were 291 for five when Vaughan, 29, raced off the field at 6:20 pm (1720 GMT) on the second day, getting a pat on the back from teammate Andrew Flintoff on the way.

Just three hours later, daughter Tallulah was born at a hospital in the nearby city of Sheffield, northern England, according to a statement released on behalf of Vaughan, adding: "Mother, baby and dad are doing well."

The birth was early, having not been expected until Sunday.

The new father was expected to return to Headingley to take part in the third day of the Test, an England cricket team spokesman said.

"Butl don'tknowyetifhewillbe able to be there from the first ball at 11:00 am," he added.

Vaughan is due to bat at number four in England's innings and under normal rules any absence from the field would affect where he could come in.

But before the Test began, match referee Clive Lloyd, the former West Indies captain, waived the usual regulations saying Vaughan's situation qualified under the "very exceptional" exemption clause in the playing conditions.

Marcus Trescothick took over the captaincy after Vaughan left, and the day ended with New Zealand well placed at 351 for six.