Monday 12 September 2016 13:32, UK
Eoin Morgan and Alex Hales have ruled themselves out of England's upcoming tour of Bangladesh.
Morgan, England's one-day international captain, has made himself unavailable for selection amid concerns over the safety of the tour, following July's terror attack in Dhaka.
Hales, who plays for England across all three formats of the game, has also elected to miss the tour.
The England and Wales Cricket Board revealed that Director of England Cricket, Andrew Strauss, had been made aware of the pair's decision earlier this weekend.
"Whilst we understand and respect Eoin and Alex's decision, we are disappointed that they have made themselves unavailable for selection for the Bangladesh tour," said Strauss, in a statement on Sunday evening.
"We have had open and honest conversations with all the players about the security arrangements in Bangladesh and at this stage we are not expecting any other individuals to withdraw from the tour. Final selection for the Bangladesh tour, will now take place on Friday.
"As with all England overseas tours, the safety and security of players and staff is of the utmost importance to ECB.
"We will continue to monitor the situation in Bangladesh, take advice and consider the appropriate steps up to and throughout the five weeks we are on tour."
A number of England players are yet to confirm their place on the tour, although Moeen Ali, Stuart Broad and Chris Jordan have all stated their desire to play in Bangladesh if selected by the ECB.
Meanwhile, Lancashire wicket-keeper Jos Buttler will captain England's one-day side in the absence of Morgan.
Morgan and Hales have received the support of team-mate Ben Stokes, who said: "I will always back, not just my captain but also any fellow team-mate's decision on matters like this.
"They have both obviously thought long and hard about this important decision and have both made the call that is right for them as individuals. Please try and respect their choice. I do, as a colleague and as friend to them both."
Paceman David Willey was also supportive of the pair, telling Sky Sports News HQ: "It's an individual decision. They both have their reasons and it was expressed within the group that we respect everyone's individual opinion and that's absolutely fine."
Former England batsman Kevin Pietersen said: "Very very courageous decision by Eoin anyway! Right or wrong, he was given a choice."
England fly out to Bangladesh on September 29 before playing three warm-up matches in preparation for the opening one-day international in Mirpur on October 7.
Mirpur also hosts the second one-day match on October 9 before the two sides travel to Chittagong for the third and final match of the series on October 12.
England then face Bangladesh in a two-match Test series which starts on October 20 in Chittagong. Test captain Alastair Cook has already confirmed his place on the tour.
