Stokes, Woakes to miss remainder of ODI series against Australia

Ben Stokes torn hamstring Chris Woakes quad knee injury miss remainder ODI series against Australia England cricket

Ben Stokes will not return for the last three ODIs of the ongoing series against Australia

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England all-rounders Ben Stokes and Chris Woakes won’t recover from their injuries in time to feature in the last three ODIs against Australia.

It has earlier been reported that the duo could potentially make their comebacks during the series, but the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has confirmed that this is no longer the case.

Stokes tore his left hamstring in the lead-up to the second Test against Pakistan at Headingley, while Woakes was nursing a quad injury. However, it was confirmed that Woakes’ injury may be more serious than initially thought.

“Ben Stokes’ torn left hamstring is progressing well, at just over two weeks since he sustained the injury in the build-up to the second Test against Pakistan at Emerald Headingley,” the ECB statement said. “He can bat fully and is now able to run at 90 percent capacity. He will commence his return to bowling programme this week.

“The plan is for Ben to continue his rehabilitation programme with the England squad during the 4th and 5th ODIs at Emirates Riverside and Emirates Old Trafford. He is expected to be involved in preparation, with a view to being available to play in the IT20s against India starting next month.”

While no exact return date was given for Woakes, he has been ruled out of the upcoming ODI series against India, which begins on July 12 in Nottingham.

“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,” the statement said. “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.”

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