ICC World Twenty20: Joe Root to miss tournament after breaking thumb and is replaced by Ian Bell

The batsman will not recover in time to travel to Bangladesh

Joe Root has broken his right thumb (PA)

Injured England batsman Joe Root will miss the ICC World Twenty20, and will be replaced by Ian Bell.

The England and Wales Cricket Board confirmed on Monday that Root, who broke his thumb batting against West Indies in last week's one-day international series victory in Antigua, will not recover in time to travel to Bangladesh.

The decision was made following a consultation with a specialist on Monday, after Root flew home from England's ongoing tour of the Caribbean.

England have requested Bell, who replaced Root in their squad against the Windies, be officially added to their World Twenty20 15 - and the International Cricket Council has granted approval.

There is no date yet for 23-year-old Root to return to cricket, with the start of the new English season less than a month away.

Root tweeted tonight: "Bitterly disappointed I'm unable to make the World Cup! Want to wish the boys the best of luck and have every confidence in the whole squad."

PA