Woakes set to miss New Zealand series

Chris Woakes is likely to miss England's Test series against New Zealand after picking up a knee problem, which has required surgery, during his recovery from the foot injury that ruled him out of the West Indies tour.

Woakes had an operation on Wednesday for a meniscal tear in his left knee which is expected to add up to six weeks to his recovery time. Speaking last week at the launch of the NatWest T20 Blast, Woakes said he was still unsure when he would return from his original injury.

An ECB statement said: "The ECB medical team confirms that England and Warwickshire bowler Chris Woakes underwent uncomplicated keyhole surgery on his left knee for a meniscal tear earlier today. The injury occurred while undergoing rehab for his foot injury. His rehab is likely to take a further four to six weeks."

The first Test against New Zealand starts at Lord's on May 21 with the second at Headingley from May 29. The one-day series begins on June 9 which may be a potential return if there are no setbacks in his latest recovery.

Woakes was ruled out of England's final World Cup match against Afghanistan with a metatarsal stress reaction and on returning home was told he would miss the West Indies series.

He finished the last English season in possession of one of the four pace-bowling slots in the Test side, alongside James Anderson, Stuart Broad and Chris Jordan, but remains in the pack jostling for a permanent position in the team.