The Ashes: Injured Steven Finn ruled out of Joe Root's England for Australia Tests

Adelaide: England fast bowler Steven Finn will miss the Ashes series in Australia after medical scans revealed torn cartilage in his left knee.

Finn sustained the injury during practice last week in Perth and had already been ruled out of England's first two tour matches before the team issued a statement Tuesday confirming the paceman would fly home with 48 hours.

A tall fast bowler, Finn has taken 125 wickets in 36 tests but has played only two of those matches in Australia, both in 2010.

The Ashes series starts Nov. 23 at the Gabba in Brisbane. England has two more warmups, including a four-day pink ball match in Adelaide starting Wednesday. England holds the Ashes after winning the last series on home soil, but was swept 5-0 on its previous tour to Australia.

England has not named a replacement for Finn, who was called into the squad late when allrounder Ben Stokes was temporarily stood down pending a police investigation into an incident outside a nightclub in September.

All-rounder Moeen Ali has a side strain but is expected to return for the last of the warmup matches next week.

England coach Trevor Bayliss said selectors were still considering their options on a batting a spot and another pace bowling option in the test lineup.