Australia Suffer First Ashes Blow Without A Ball Being Bowled!

Australia have lost the services of their star bowler Brett Lee, due to an abdominal strain on his left side, just before the start of the first Ashes test which starts in Cardiff tomorrow (8th July 2009). Brett Lee himself has won more Australian caps than the rest of their bowling attack put together and will be a huge loss to the side. It is unlikely that he will be available for even the second test to be held at Lord’s 16-20 July 2009.

During Australia’s warm up match against the England Lions in Worcester last week, Lee was regularly clocked above 150 kmh during his 35 overs, claiming six wickets in the first innings. After the first innings he experienced tightness on his left side and when the pain had not subsided by Sunday after the teams transfer from Worcester to Cardiff, alarm bells started to ring. Alex Kountouris, the physio advised that had Lee continued to ignore the pain he could have been sidelined for up to 10 weeks, effectively ending his tour. Australia are hoping that he will be fit to start in the 3rd test in Edgbaston starting on 30th July 2009.

With Shane Watson also carrying an injury, we could see paceman Stuart Clark and off-spinner Nathan Hauritz both starting in Cardiff.

Brett Lee, played himself into the Australian team by taking 7 wickets (6 in the first innings) in their warm up match against England Lions last week.

Australia will miss his ability to reverse swing the ball at 150 kmh. Lee, gutted that he will be missing an Ashes test said that he’d find a way to bounce back. Over the last 16 years, and 5 ankle surgeries he reckons it is probably only the second time that he has actually pulled a muscle – a remarkable feat for a fast bowler.

England’s Kevin Pietersen said that Lee will be a huge loss for Australia as he’s a massive player for them. As well as his express pace and his acknowledgment as the ‘fastest bowler in the world’ he also brings a wealth of experience to the dressing room and an intimidating presence both off and on the field.