Youngster Tom Curran drafted in to England’s Ashes squad to replace injured Steve Finn

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

Finn was injured in practice last week in Perth shortly after the squad arrived in Australia and had already been ruled out of England’s first two tour matches.

Replacement bowler Tom Curran, who has played Twenty20 and one-day international cricket for England, was preparing to leave for Australia on Wednesday.

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 November 23 at the Gabba in Brisbane. England have two more warm-up games, including a four-day pink ball match in Adelaide starting on Wednesday, to prepare for their Ashes defence.

The inclusion of Curran, a 22-year-old right-arm paceman who was born and raised in South Africa, indicates England are still not rushing to recall Ben Stokes, who was temporarily stood down pending a police investigation into an incident outside a nightclub in September.

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

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