Brett Lee out of World Cup
Exclusive: Phil Rothfield, Daily Telegraph
February 23, 2007 12:00am


AUSTRALIA'S World Cup campaign has suffered another crushing blow following the withdrawal of Brett Lee from the 15-man squad today.

Lee suffered an ankle injury duing training in New Zealand 10 days ago and was ruled out by his specialist this morning, The Daily Telegraph Online has learned.

The champion fast bowler phoned Cricket Australia boss James Sutherland with the news after he left the specialist's office.

The Australian selectors are meeting this morning to discuss a replacement and appear certain to call NSW's Stuart Clark in to the team as the replacement.

The news on Lee is a devastating blow for Austrlaia's hopes of winning their third straight World Cup.

Australia's bowlers have performed poorly in the last five losses to England and New Zealand.

Skipper Ricky Ponting was deperately keen for Lee to make the tour.