Australia paceman Ryan Harris out for up to four months

Australia pace bowler Ryan Harris is to undergo surgery on a fractured ankle and could be out of action for four months, Cricket Australia said on Wednesday, effectively ruling him out of next year's limited overs World Cup.

Harris pulled up on his approach to the crease during the fourth Ashes test against England on Tuesday before being helped from the field.

The 31-year-old failed to bat on Wednesday as Australia crashed to defeat by an innings and 157 runs, allowing England to retain the Ashes.  

"Ryan was reviewed by a specialist in Melbourne this morning," said a Cricket Australia statement.

"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."  

Harris, who has had chronic knee problems, missed the first Ashes Test in Brisbane because of a setback in his recovery from surgery.

He came into the side in Adelaide and retained his place for Perth, where he took 6-47 to help Australia to a crushing win.    

Harris was included in Australia's initial 30-man squad World Cup, which takes place in India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh from Feb. 19 to April 2.