England's Woakes to miss rest of ODI series

London

England all-rounder Chris Woakes has been ruled out of the final two matches of the one-day internaional series against Australia due to a thigh injury.

 Woakes, who plays county cricket for Warwickshire, has featured in the first three games of the series but has yet to take a wicket.

 His absence was announced on the eve of the fourth ODI at Headingly, with England Cricket posting on Twitter: "Chris Woakes has been ruled out of the final two Royal London ODIs against Australia with a right thigh injury.

 "He is expected to be available for selection for the Test series against Pakistan."

 The 26-year-old has been plagued by injury this season, having missed the start of the county season with a broken metatarsal sustained at the end of England's disappointing World Cup campaign.

 His comeback was then disrupted by a knee complaint that required keyhole surgery, effectively preventing him from pushing for a place in the Ashes.

 Left-arm seamers Reece Topley and David Willey are in contention to replace Woakes, with the latter a more like for like replacement given his superior batting.

 England's 93-run victory at Old Trafford on Tuesday saw the hosts trim Australia's lead in the series to 2-1.