Durham's Ben Stokes left out of England cricket squad for Australia tour
He's on an indefinite break to focus on mental health
Durham cricketer Ben Stokes has been left out of the England Men's test squad, for the 2021-22 Ashes Tour of Australia.
He is currently undertaking an indefinite break from all cricket to prioritise his mental wellbeing.
The 30-year-old was also unavailable for selection due to rehabilitation from his injured left index finger.
The Ashes tour is subject to several critical conditions being met by Cricket Australia before the team travels in November. However, the England and Wales Cricket Board says positive ongoing discussions continue, and it hopes matters will be resolved in due course.
England Men's Test Squad - Ashes Tour of Australia 2021-22
Officials say head coach Chris Silverwood has selected the strongest available squad.
Ten of the 17 members are touring Australia in an Ashes series for the first time, including vice-captain Jos Buttler.
The squad in full:
Joe Root (Yorkshire) Captain
James Anderson (Lancashire)
Jonathan Bairstow (Yorkshire)
Dom Bess (Yorkshire)
Stuart Broad (Nottinghamshire)
Rory Burns (Surrey)
Jos Buttler (Lancashire)
Zak Crawley (Kent)
Haseeb Hameed (Nottinghamshire)
Dan Lawrence (Essex)
Jack Leach (Somerset)
Dawid Malan (Yorkshire)
Craig Overton (Somerset)
Ollie Pope (Surrey)
Ollie Robinson (Sussex)
Chris Woakes (Warwickshire)
Mark Wood (Durham)
Providing an update on injuries, the England and Wales Cricket Board added: 'Nottinghamshire seamer Stuart Broad, who is to embark on his fourth Ashes tour, is making excellent progress from his torn right calf sustained in the summer during the Test series against India. Next week, he is set to return to bowling at The ECB Performance Centre in Loughborough, where the Ashes and Lions squads will prepare for the Australia tour.
'Surrey all-rounder Sam Curran was not considered for selection after a second scan has confirmed that he has a stress fracture in his lower back. More detail regarding his management and likely return will follow after further specialist consultation.'
Commenting on the squad, England Men's Head Coach Chris Silverwood, said: "A tour of Australia is the pinnacle as an England Test cricketer. I am delighted that all of our available players have committed to the tour. We are looking forward to touring and enjoying the experience of this historic series.
"This is why we play and coach to be involved in iconic series like this. More than half of our squad haven't featured in an Ashes tour before, which means we will be fresh and looking to embrace the cricket and the excitement of touring one of the best places in the world.
"I believe we have selected a well-balanced squad with options in all areas and a blend of youth and experience. There is real competition for places and a genuine desire to work hard and compete, aiming to create some history.
"We are under no illusions about how difficult the task is going to be. Australia have been strong at home in the past, and there is an expectation on them to win this series. However, from our point of view, there is genuine excitement and belief that we can do something special.
"Both teams are in similar positions in the Test world rankings. For that reason, it should be a compelling series. We can enjoy the build-up to the tour, get out there, and prepare well ahead of the first Test in Brisbane.
"Having the Lions with the Ashes squad will be integral to our build-up. The extended group of players will be with us before the first Test. We will play two competitive warm-up games amongst both squads to give us the match practice we need as part of our build-up. It's an excellent opportunity to connect the Lions into the England environment and gain a good understanding of what is required to play at the highest level."