Australia received their first set back before the WC with fast bowler Brett Lee being ruled out of the World Cup with an ankle injury on Friday.
 
Brett Lee who slipped and injured his ankle during a practice session in the just concluded New Zealand tour was under observation before formally declaring the news which disclosed that the Aussie pace spearhead will take more than six weeks to recover but may take a little more time before he starts bowling again.

According to Dr. Trefor James, Brett had injured the ligaments in his left ankle and after further review was advised that the injury had not improved over the last week. On further advise the ACB said that Brett will not be fit to resume bowling for two to three months.

Meanwhile the ACB chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch has requested ICC asking for Stuart Clark to replace Lee in the squad. The request is expected to be little more than a formality with Clark certain to join the squad when they fly out to the Caribbean next Wednesday.
 
Lee’s omission comes as a big blow to Australia as he was the main strike bowler and his withdrawal might dampen the chances of the world champions to retain their title by winning it three times in a row.

The world champions have already come in for a lot of flack for loosing their last five matches — their longest losing streak in a decade — and are facing a mounting injury list.

All-rounder Andrew Symonds underwent surgery this month to repair a torn bicep tendon in his right shoulder and opening batsman Matthew Hayden broke his toe while scoring an unbeaten century against New Zealand on Tuesday. Skipper Ricky Ponting is recovering from a back problem and middle-order batsman Michael Clarke has a hip complaint.

Australia needs to revamp things as soon as possible to kick start their WC campaign on a winning note.