England batsman Alex Hales has been withdrawn from all England squads, including the preliminary World Cup side, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced on Monday.

Hales has also been withdrawn for the one-off one-day international against Ireland, and the subsequent limited-overs series against Pakistan.

‘We have thought long and hard about this decision,’ said Ashley Giles, the ECB managing director of men’s cricket. ‘We have worked hard to create the right environment around the England team and need to consider what is in the best interests of the team, to ensure they are free from any distractions and able to focus on being successful on the pitch, the ICC reported.

‘I want to make it clear this is not the end of Alex’s career as an England player. The ECB and the PCA will continue to aid Alex and work alongside his county club Nottinghamshire to give him the support he needs, to help him fulfil his potential as a professional cricketer.’

The replacement will be announced in due course.