| Player: | B Lee |
| Event: | Australia in British Isles 2009 |
Australia have suffered a big blow ahead of the start of the first Ashes Test against England as pacer Brett Lee has been ruled out for the first game.
The bowler had reported soreness in his left side during the recent tour game against England Lions. The bowler then went for scans on the hand and they revealed he has a tear to his rib muscle and will definitely miss the Cardiff opener.
To add to Aussie and Lee's woes, there is even little chance of him making the second Test at Lord's which begins on July 16.
"I'm very disappointed," said Lee.
"Being a fast bowler injuries do happen sometimes, but I'll be working really hard over the next two weeks to try to get back playing as quickly as possible. If the second Test is not an option, then maybe the third.
"I'm bowling pain-free on my ankle for the first time in a long time and that's exciting. Yes I'm frustrated and disappointed, of course I am, but the bright side is that it is not connected to my old injuries." News of the injury first came out on Monday morning when Lee was forced to miss the training and had to undergo scans on the problem. His absence would surely hamper Australia's chances in a significant manner considering he was coming back to form and was looking good in the warm-up games.
The 32-year-old took seven wickets for 114 in the drawn tour game against English Lions at New Road.
"Brett's obviously worked very hard especially over the last 12 months to try and get right for this series," said Australian vice captain Michael Clarke before confirmation of Lee's absence was announced.
"I think right now we need to wait and see what the result is of his scan but I know he will be very keen and hoping that the scan comes up clear." Australia will now have to decide between picking off-form spinner Nathan Hauritz or employing a seam-only attack with Ben Hilfenhaus a potential like-for-like replacement.