Melbourne: Australian fast bowler Ryan Harris will be out of action for at least three months due to an ankle injury.
Harris suffered the injury during the fourth Test, in which England thrashed Australia by an innings and 157 runs Wednesday to retain the Ashes on away tour after 24 years.
Harris will undergo a surgery to treat a stress fracture on his left ankle and that virtually rules him out from the World Cup starting Feb 19 in the sub-continent.
"Ryan was reviewed by a specialist in Melbourne this morning," said Cricket Australia (CA) Doctor Trefor James.
"The specialist confirmed that the best management for the stress fracture of his left ankle would be to undergo surgery. This surgery will occur today and we expect Ryan's recovery time to be 3-4 months," he said.