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Joe Root to miss IT20 Tri-Series against Australia and New Zealand

England batsman has decided to rest during the series and will return for ODIs against New Zealand

Joe Root will no longer play in England's upcoming IT20 Tri-Series against Australia and New Zealand.

The Three Lions Test captain will return to England for a break having played in every Ashes match and the first three ODI fixtures against Australia this month.

Root will return for the five-match ODI series against New Zealand starting in Hamilton on 25 February.

No replacement has been named at this stage for the 27-year-old Yorkshire batsman.

Root said: “I came into this tour wanting to play everything. I love playing for England and I don’t like missing games of cricket.

“I had a long chat with Trevor Bayliss about things and there’s obviously a big summer ahead and a lot of cricket still to be played. It’s going to be really important to make sure that I’m available for all of that.

“The decision has been made to have a little break. I’m sure when I’m at home I will be sat watching and willing the lads on.”

Gillette International IT20 Fixtures 

Prime Minister's XI v England
Friday 2 February, Manuka Oval, Canberra (7.15pm Local Time) 

Australia v England
Wednesday 7 February, Blundstone Arena, Hobart (7.40pm Local Time)

Australia v England 
Saturday 10 February, MCG, Melbourne (7.20pm Local Time)

New Zealand v England 
Tuesday 13 February, Westpac Stadium, Wellington (7.00pm Local Time)

New Zealand v England
Sunday 18 February, Seddon Park, Hamilton (7.00pm Local Time)

IT20 Final 
Wednesday 21 February, Eden Park, Auckland (7.00pm Local Time)