England batsman Nick Compton is taking an indefinite break from cricket.

His county side, Middlesex, described this as a “challenging start to the 2016 season, both physically and mentally.”

The 32-year-old right-hander has been under scrutiny after he found his place in the Test side during the 2-0 win over Sri Lanka. 

He has struggled for form all summer, his average being only 16.77 from 11 first-class innings. He was expected to be replaced after his poor show for the upcoming series against Pakistan next month.

A statement from Middlesex read:

“

Following a challenging start to the 2016 season, both physically and mentally, it has been agreed that the best way forward is for Compton to spend some time away from the game.

”

Angus Fraser, the county’s director of cricket said, “He came out of the Test series, we sat down and spoke and told him to have a few days off but earlier this week we met up and decided a longer break was needed.”

He further added, “He cares deeply about his cricket, tried his socks off, but physically and mentally he’s not where he wants to be and we think the best way forward is not to go to the nets and spend hours and hours training.”

Compton had fought his way back into the England team for the tour to South Africa last December after a two-year hiatus. He managed to score 85 and 49 in the Boxing Day Test at Durban but later, he couldn’t capitalize on those scores.