Shreyas Iyer to take six-month break from red-ball cricket

Shreyas Iyer has informed the Board of Control for Cricket in India that he will take a six month break from redball cricket because of recurring back spasms and stiffness, the board said on Thursday, a move that rules him out of the upcoming Irani Cup and likely selection for India's home Test series in October. The Mumbai batter withdrew from the second of two unofficial fourday Tests between India A and Australia A in Lucknow this week and notified selectors that he cannot withstand the physical demands of first class and Test cricket at present, the board added.

In an official statement, the BCCI quoted its secretary Devajit Saikia saying Iyer has recently experienced recurring back spasms despite having undergone surgery in the United Kingdom and managing recovery. Saikia said Iyer intends to use the six month period to build endurance and body resilience and will not be considered for the Irani Cup or other immediate redball selection. The board also confirmed Iyer will captain an India A one day series later this month, with a deputy named for that assignment.

Accounts differ about how Iyer communicated his decision. Board officials said he made his intention known to the...