Overview

• Ben Stokes has decided not to participate in the T20 World Cup to focus on his fitness and role as an all-rounder for Test cricket.
• Stokes aims to regain full bowling fitness following a knee surgery that limited his bowling capability.
• The England Test captain had previously withdrawn from the Indian Premier League (IPL) to concentrate on his recovery.
• Stokes's decision comes as England prepares to defend their T20 World Cup title in the Caribbean and USA in June.
• England's T20 World Cup campaign begins on June 4 against Scotland at the Kensington Oval in Barbados.