Chris Woakes Out of Australia ODIs and India T20Is Due to Knee Injury

England, on Monday, confirmed their all-rounder Chris Woakes would take no part in the limited-overs series against Australia as he recovers with a “chronic” knee injury.

Woakes suffered a tear in his right quad during the second Test against Pakistan in Leeds.

However, a statement released by the England board now suggests it was caused in part by “a flare-up of a chronic right knee problem”. He was given an injection in the knee a week ago and has begun a rehabilitation and conditioning programme.

The English management did not mention any specific date for Woakes’ return. But it is clear he would not play against Australia. The 27-year old will also miss the T20I series against India, starting July 3.

He will be reassessed ahead of the ODI series against India that starts on July 12.

In its release, the English board stated,

“England and Warwickshire all-rounder Chris Woakes’ right quad tear which he sustained at Emerald Headingley in the second Test against Pakistan earlier this month, was at least in part due to a flare-up of a chronic right knee problem.”

“He has had an injection for the knee issue last Monday. And will now undertake a rehabilitation and conditioning programme to address both injuries. A date for return cannot be specified at this stage. But he will not be available before the India Royal London ODI series.”

The board also gave an update on Ben Stokes. The all-rounder will miss the ODI series against Australia but is likely to play against India.

As per the statement, Stokes is “progressing well” after sustaining a torn left hamstring a couple of weeks ago. His batting is unrestricted, and he can run at 90% capacity so will begin a “return-to-bowling programme” this week.

The release further stated the ace all-rounder is likely to join his English teammates for practice during the 4th and 5th ODI against Australia.

Stokes is likely to return to international cricket during next month’s T20I series against India.