The T20 Blast vice-captain will take a step away from the game for an undisclosed period
Ben Cox will take a break from cricket to manage his mental health, Worcestershire have confirmed.
The 30-year-old, regarded as one of the finest wicketkeepers in English county cricket, was not named in the XI for the ongoing LV=Insurance County Championship match against Durham, with Gareth Roderick taking the gloves.
It has now emerged that he will take a "short break" from the sport to address his mental wellbeing.
The Rapids' T20 Blast vice-captain scored 104 runs in eight North Group matches and another 167 in the opening rounds of County Championship Division Two.
During the victory over Leicestershire in May, Cox brought up 400 first-class dismissals and has already picked up 27 across the formats this term.
Joe Leach is nearing full fitness (Stu Forster/Getty Images)
The news comes amid a positive update regarding several members of the Worcestershire squad currently sidelined due to physical injuries.
Former captain Joe Leach is targetting a first-team return for the Championship match against Glamorgan starting on June 26 after picking up a back problem.
He continued on his road to full recovery by bowling eight overs on Monday (June 13) in the Second XI Championship against Leicestershire.
Both Josh Dell and Josh Tongue are also closing in a return.
Dell is out with a broken finger suffered in pre-season while Tongue, whose shoulder issue was the latest in a catalogue of fitness problems, is currently undergoing a fitness and strength programme before a return to play schedule is determined.
Welcome to www.thecricketer.com - the online home of the world’s oldest cricket magazine. Breaking news, interviews, opinion and cricket goodness from every corner of our beautiful sport, from village green to national arena.