Thursday 19 November 2015 13:30, UK
Ian Bell says he is "gutted" to have been dropped from the England Test squad for the tour of South Africa.
Bell was a surprise omission from the squad which will face South Africa - the world No 1 team - in four Tests, with the first on Boxing Day.
He is one of England's most experienced batsmen, having played 114 Tests, but he has scored just one Test century since July 2014.
He averages just 25.95 in 2015 - 571 runs in 24 innings - and the selectors say they have decided to give him a break, insisting his Test career is not necessarily over.
Bell tweeted: "I'm absolutely gutted not to be selected for the tour to SA.
"I certainly feel I could have contributed out there and have been working tirelessly to get into the best possible condition for the tour.
"I'm going to enjoy a winter break with my family for the first time in 11 years and come back determined to win my place back. Wishing all the guys selected the best of luck."
Watch England's tour of South Africa on Sky Sports, starting with the first Test on Boxing Day.
