LONDON (Reuters) -All-rounder Ben Stokes on Thursday was not included in England's 15-man preliminary squad for the Twenty20 World Cup as he continues to take a break from cricket to focus on his mental health, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said.

The ECB added that the 30-year-old, who was a key player for the side in their 50-over World Cup triumph two years ago, was unavailable for selection for the tournament that kicks off next month in the United Arab Emirates and Oman.