Ben Stokes has announced that he no longer wishes to be considered for selection ahead of this summer’s T20 World Cup, to be held in June between the West Indies and the United States.
The England Test captain’s main focus is to be fully fit bowling not only for the summer of Test cricket, which includes two three-match Test series against West Indies and Sri Lanka each, but for all future cricket.
Commenting on his decision, Stokes said: “I am focused and working hard to regain my bowling fitness to play the role as an all-rounder in all formats of cricket.
“I hope opting out of the IPL and World Cup is a sacrifice that will allow me to be the all-rounder that I want to be for the time being.
“The recent Test tour of India highlighted how far behind I am from a bowling perspective after undergoing knee surgery and not bowling for nine months. I’m looking forward to playing Durham in the County Championship.
“I wish Joss [Buttler]Motti [Matthew Mott] I wish the whole team the best of luck in defending their title. ”
England will defend their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup against Scotland on June 4th at Kensington Oval in Barbados. They will then play group games against Australia, Oman and Namibia in Barbados and Antigua before qualifying for the Super 8s and knockout stages.
