England's Seamer Woakes was skeptical of the first two Tests against S.Africa

London, June: In the ICC Champions Trophy tournament with Bangladesh on June 1, England's Seamer Chris Vox did not qualify for the first two matches against South Africa. The Test series, which starts from July 6 at Lord's, holds immense importance to the English side as South Africa have won both of the last Test series played between the two teams in England.

"It's not a terrible news for a left-handed race and a tear in the muscles which is not a grade two injury, but at the same time it's great," Woakes was told by espncricinfo on Tuesday. "They say it's roughly a four-to-six week injury, and it's more likely to be towards the six when I am back playing competitive cricket," the 28-year-old right-armer added.

"I'm on day five of my recovery now, and the physios say for the first 10 to 14 days there's not a lot we can do other than rest it." The injury to Woakes means that two of England's three first choice pace bowlers are doubtful, as veteran James Anderson is also suffering from a groin injury. There is also a question mark over the fitness of all-rounder Ben Stokes with his knee not being in perfect condition.

In absence of Woakes and Anderson, England will look to give a chance to their backup bowlers like Mark Wood, Steven Finn, Jake Ball,and Toby Roland-Jones. In 2012, South Africa won the England two places in the two teams, winning 2-0 against England.