England batsman Nick Compton is to take an immediate break from cricket, according to his county Middlesex, after a "challenging start to the season, both physically and mentally".
Middlesex and the England & Wales Cricket Board have agreed that "the best way forward is for Compton to spend some time away from the game".
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 scored just 51 runs in five innings during the recent Test series against Sri Lanka.
Speaking after the third Test at Lord's, England assistant coach Paul Farbrace said: "It has been a tough series for him. He knows that and he does not need any of us to sit down and tell him. He needs to score runs."
Compton has played 16 Tests for England, with an average of 28.70 runs, having made his debut on the tour of India in November 2012. He has made two centuries, both coming in the series in New Zealand in 2013.
The grandson of Denis Compton has gone 12 innings since his last international half-century, not having hit the landmark since scoring 85 last December against South Africa in Durban, the place of his birth.