Brett Lee slipped and injured his ankle during a practice session in Wellington ahead of their first game against the Kiwis yesterday. It was just a week ago that Andrew Symonds injured himself playing against England in CB Series final.

The other Aussie who has already joined the injured list was Michael Clark who is down with hip soreness and had to return home amidst the kiwi tour. Clark has been advised rest and Lee would be out of action for at least six weeks.

Aussie skipper Ponting and Gilchrist have been rested for the series before the world cup. With Symonds and Lee’s injury looking serious, chances of Aussies going full strength to the Caribbean looks unlikely.

Clark, Lee and Symonds have been included in the world cup team but only a final report from the aussie physio will decide their participation in the world cup. Aussie would just not look lethal without these three key players and their chances of defending their world champion title would surely become weaker.