Joe Root 'to be eased out of England's Twenty20 side'

The England and Wales Cricket Board reportedly intends to reduce the workload of Joe Root by extending his absence from the Twenty20 side beyond the summer.

Root, who became the second-youngest Test captain in world cricket when replacing Alastair Cook in February, is in line for a hectic year as he balances next month's Champions Trophy with 14 Tests.

It is claimed by the Daily Mail that the ECB will manage the playing time of those appearing in all three formats of the game, with Root expected to drop out of the 20-over team until the autumn.

The same report suggests that the 26-year-old will be given every chance to get to grips with the Test captaincy, while also giving others the opportunity to impress in an attempt to spruce up England's T20 top order.

England could also leave out Alex Hales from their Twenty20 side, as he looks to focus on the 50-over format.