England [Images] spinner Ashley Giles has been ruled out of the series against Sri Lanka [Images] starting next month, the England and Wales Cricket Board said on Monday.

The Warwickshire player will have a groin operation on Tuesday.

Giles, who underwent surgery on damaged cartilage in his right hip last December, has been unable to progress his rehabilitation satisfactorily since February and missed England's recent tour of India.

"In light of the lack of progress with Ashley's rehabilitation from hip surgery, his surgeon recently recommended an opinion was sought from a hernia specialist," ECB chief medical officer Peter Gregory said in a statement.

"The view of this specialist, who was consulted last week was that Ashley has developed a defect known as a Gilmore's Groin, which could account for the pain he suffers after he runs.

"Ashley will undergo surgical repair in the near future. It is hoped that this will enable him to return to cricket later this season."