Father's death reason for Woakes' cricket absence

England and Warwickshire all-rounder Chris Woakes says he will return to playing cricket "when the time is right" following the death of his father.

The 35-year-old has not featured for his county this season and did not play for Punjab Kings in the Indian Premier League.

He was also omitted from England's squad for the Twenty20 World Cup.

In a social media post, external, Woakes explained his absence saying: "The last month has been the most challenging of my life when unfortunately my Dad passed away at the beginning of May.

"I've spent the last few weeks with the people most important to me, my family. We're all obviously grieving and trying to get through what is undoubtedly the hardest moments in our lives.

"It's times like this that perspective is at its greatest.

"I will be back playing cricket for Warwickshire, who my Dad loved dearly when the time is right for me and my family. I know playing cricket for Warwickshire and England made my Dad incredibly proud. look forward to doing that again in the near future."

Woakes’ last match came in the International League T20 in the United Arab Emirates with Sharjah Warriors in February, and he was part of the England squad which toured the West Indies in December.

He has played more than 200 games for England across all formats.