Harris was injured on the third day of the fourth Test in Melbourne

Australia paceman Ryan Harris is set to miss the one-day series against England and the World Cup after suffering a stress fracture of the ankle.

Team doctor Trefor James said the 31-year-old Queensland seamer could be out for three to four months.

Cricket Australia announced that Harris would have surgery on Wednesday.

The right-armer, who has taken 11 wickets in the series, pulled up during his run-up midway through the third day of the fourth Ashes Test in Melbourne.

Recalled for the second Test in Adelaide, Harris was in doubt for the third Test in Perth after appearing to injure his shoulder while bowling in Adelaide, but a scan cleared him of any serious damage.

He did, however, miss Australia's series against Pakistan in England in 2010 after undergoing surgery on a chronic knee complaint.

606: DEBATE How big a miss will Harris be for Australia?

After this most recent injury, coach Tim Nielsen wrote on Twitter: "The week has turned out to be a shocker... cricket obvious but feel very sorry for R Harris... stress fracture of tibia and out for 8 weeks."

But Nielsen's initial estimation of his recovery time was lengthened when James said, in a Cricket Australia statement: "Ryan was reviewed by a specialist in Melbourne this morning.

"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 three to four months."

Harris did not bat in Australia's second innings as England wrapped up victory by an innings and 157 runs in Melbourne to retain the Ashes.

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