London, September 10

England all-rounder Chris Woakes has been ruled out of the final two matches of the one-day international 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.”

He 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.