Middlesex have confirmed that batsman Nick Compton is to take a break from cricket for an unspecified length of time and with immediate effect.

A club statement said that after "a challenging start to the season, both physically and mentally", the county and the England & Wales Cricket Board agreed for Compton to take time away.

Middlesex managing director of cricket, Angus Fraser, said: "Nick sets himself very high standards and makes a huge commitment to cricket.

"We all believe that some time away from the game now will allow him to refresh, recharge and return to play the sort of cricket we all know he is capable of producing.

"During this period Nick will receive the full support of Middlesex CCC and the England cricket team management."

The 32-year-old right-hander scored just 51 runs in five innings during the recent Test series win against Sri Lanka.