Ben Stokes has ruled himself out of selection for England's defence of their T20 World Cup title this summer.
The England Test captain underwent knee surgery at the end of last year and made his return in time for the series against India in January.
However, Stokes has announced that he doesn't plan to play in the T20 World Cup this summer as England look to defend their title.
“I’m working hard and focusing on building my bowling fitness back up to fulfil a full role as an all-rounder in all formats of cricket," Stokes announced.
Ben Stokes has ruled himself out of selection for the T20 World Cup
GETTY
“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.
“I wish Jos [Buttler], Motty [Matthew Mott] and all the team the best of luck in defending our title.”
Stokes had already ruled himself out of playing the Indian Premier League at the end of last year.
The 32-year-old was purchased by Chennai Super Kings for £1.65m in December 2022, but barely featured in his debut season due to fitness issues.
Stokes still plans to play for his country in Tests against the West Indies and Sri Lanka respectively.
But he'll be absent from the England team that get the defence of their T20 World Cup crown on June 4.
Ben Stokes helped England win the T20 World Cup in 2022
GETTY
Their first match of the tournament is against Scotland before group matches against Australia, Oman, and Namibia.
The Super 8s stage gets underway on June 20 with the final taking place in Barbados on June 29.
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