Xtra Time Web Desk: Ben Stokes will not be part of England’s white ball squad in the upcoming white ball series against India, confirmed Eoin Morgan. In an interview to Daily Mail, Morgan said Stokes will be focussing solely on test cricket until winter and won’t be considered for the series against India and South Africa.

“Ben won’t play white-ball this summer. We just want him to go off and be himself as Test captain as it’s a huge responsibility. I don’t want Ben this summer, I want him in November. That’s when our race will be run,” Eoin Morgan told Daily Mail in an interview.

Stokes last played a white-ball series back in July 2021 against Pakistan when he had to return from injury prematurely due to a Covid outbreak in England camp. His last T20 match for England was against India in March of 2021. He played just 1 match in IPL 2021 and had to return home due to a thumb injury.

Eoin Morgan also hinted that England will look to experiment with the squad in the ODI and T20I series against India instead of fielding a full-strength squad.

“The India T20s will be a great gauge of where we’re at but the rest of the summer will be a delve into the depth of what we have in county cricket considering the injuries we have with bowlers,” Morgan said.

England’s world cup winning captain also hinted that the upcoming T20 World Cup in Australia will be his last as captain.

“I’m always looking at my future. I’m very honest about where the team need to go but if at any stage I haven’t got the drive or don’t think I’m contributing enough I’ll be upfront about it. The 50-over World Cup next year is a long way away so I can’t comment on that now. The goal is the T20 World Cup,” said Morgan.

India tour to England: Ben Stokes to miss white ball series against India, confirms Morgan