Aussie pace bowler Lee ruled out of first Ashes Test

Australia“s Ashes plans have been hit after fast-bowler Brett Lee (pictured) was ruled out of the first Test with a side injury.

Lee said he was "gutted" after scans taken in Cardiff ahead of the first Test, which starts tomorrow, revealed a small abdominal tear, and added that he would not be bowling again for another fortnight.

If that is the case then it would also rule him out of the second Test at Lord’s, starting on 16 July, and leave him in a race against time to play in the third Test, which begins at Edgbaston on 30 July.

"I’m gutted that I won’t be playing in Cardiff," said Lee, who was only just returning to full throttle after undergoing a fifth ankle operation in January. "It’s very disappointing, especially after working so hard on my fitness.”

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