Ashes 2009: The missing Australian legends

Australia fast bowler Brett Lee hopes to return for the third Ashes Test after being ruled out of the opening match. Australia will have to revise their bowling attack for the series opener in Cardiff after it was confirmed that Lee's injured side would prevent him bowling for around a fortnight. On Monday afternoon physio Alex Kountouris examined scans on Lee's rib problem suffered in the draw with the England Lions last week and discovered a strain in one of his abdominal muscles. Although the Australians are not completely ruling him out, they admit the chances of him returning at Lord's next week are slim and are pleased they monitored the discomfort in its early stages given that playing through it could have resulted in a worst-case scenario of a ten-week lay-off. "Playing any Test match for Australia is the most amazing thing," Lee said, reflecting on his disappointment. "You grow up as a kid dreaming of playing Test cricket - it's the pinnacle. But to play in an Ashes series is what it is all about. To me it's the true test." He added: "I am gutted not to be there for that first Test but I am determined to bounce back."

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ITN | July 7, 2009

Tags:. .physio. .bowler. .rib. .strain. .cardiff