England all-rounder Ben Stokes has asked to not be considered for selection for this summer’s T20 World Cup to focus on his fitness.
Stokes says he wants to use the break to ensure he can be “the all-rounder I want to be” across all formats.
He had knee surgery over the winter and bowled just five overs during the recent five-Test series in India.
The 32-year-old has already opted out of the Indian Premier League, which began last month.
England are defending champions in the T20 World Cup, which takes place in the West Indies and United States in June.
That tournament is followed by home Test series for England against the West Indies and Sri Lanka, before a T20 and one-day series against Australia in September.
Stokes said: “Opting out of the IPL and the World Cup will hopefully be a sacrifice that allows me to be the all-rounder I want to be for the foreseeable future.
“The recent Test tour of India highlighted how far behind I was from a bowling point of view after my knee surgery and nine months without bowling.
“I’m looking forward to playing for Durham in the County Championship before the start of our Test summer.”
More to follow.
