England all-rounder Moeen Ali and pacer Steven Finn have been forced to miss first two warm-up matches in the build-up of the Ashes Down Under. Both players picked up injuries on Thursday and now they will miss the action in team’s first warm-up game from Saturday against Cricket Australia XI, confirmed England and Wales Cricket Board.

While Finn jarred his left knee while batting in the nets, Ali felt some soreness on his left side. Thus, both players kept away from the practice session. The scans were scheduled to happen today and it granted some rest from both Finn and Ali.

England is line-up to play three warm-up matches before the first Ashes Test in Brisbane, which will commence from November 23. The first two games will be played from November 4 and 8 respectively. Now, the Gabba Test is just three weeks away and the sudden injury of all-rounder has increased headaches in English camp, who already are missing the services of their star all-rounder, Ben Stokes. Also, this weakens England’s slow bowling department, where only Mason Crane is the other spinner.

Meanwhile, the lanky fast bowler is in some hopes to revive his Test career after missing the action in whites for over 12 months. The suspension of Ben Stokes brought his inclusion in the touring party and his untimely injury is not a good sign for him.

Poms are the current holder of the urn as they beat Australia by 3-2 in 2015.