 Lee's injury problems have returned
|
Brett Lee will miss the World Twenty20 competition in the West Indies after being injured in Australia's shock one-run warm-up defeat by Zimbabwe.
The bowler picked up a muscle strain in a forearm.
It is a new setback for the 33-year-old, who has not played any form of international cricket since October.
Australia, who begin their World Twenty campaign against Pakistan on Sunday, have asked the ICC for permission to call a replacement into their squad.
Lee retired from Test cricket in February and, after missing the entire Australian summer with an elbow injury, had hoped to rekindle his international career after working his way back to fitness and playing in the Indian Premier League.
The New South Welshman completed the match against Zimbabwe, bowling four overs and taking one for 13 as Zimbabwe posted 173-7, a total the Australians fell agonisingly short of overhauling.
 |
606: DEBATE
KingKhan
|
However, later MRI scans revealed the extent of the damage to Lee's forearm after he complained of soreness following the defeat.
An Australia team spokesman said Lee's latest injury was not related to his previous elbow complaint.
Doug Bollinger, who helped the Chennai Super Kings win Sunday's IPL final, and Ryan Harris are the most likely contenders to step into Lee's place.
Australia play their second warm-up game against the Windward Islands on Thursday and will be hoping for a much-improved performance.
Elton Chigumbura, with 76 from just 35 balls, provided the impetus of Zimbabwe's innings, with Australian bowlers Shane Watson and Daniel Christian coming in for particularly severe punishment, their combined four overs going for 63 runs.
Australian opener David Warner responded with 72 off of 49 balls, while captain Michael Clarke smashed a rapid 49.
Needing 13 off the final over, Clarke was clean bowled off the penultimate delivery, before Mitchell Johnson was run out off a wide while needing four for victory and the final ball mustered just a bye.
No comments:
Post a Comment