Thursday, February 22, 2007

Brett Lee out of World Cup

After losing five matches on the trot, Australia's world cup campaign has suffered another blow, with Brett Lee being ruled out. Lee suffered an ankle injury during a training session in New Zealand ten days ago and was this morning givin the bad news by a specialist. Stuart Clark has been named as Lee's replacement.

Australian chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch issued a statement saying "It is a great disappointment for Brett Lee that he is unable to take place in the World Cup and is a significant blow for the planning and preparation in place for the tournament. However it does give a tremendous opportunity for Stuart Clark to join the 15-man squad."

"Stuart was extremely unlucky to miss out on initial selection and despite the unfortunate circumstances surrounding his inclusion we strongly believe that Stuart is primed to seize his opportunity."

"Though Brett’s injury is disappointing from a personal and team perspective, we strongly believe we are taking a squad of players more than capable of winning a third successive Cricket World Cup."

Stuart Clark is expected to fly to the West Indies on Wednesday pending his approval from the ICC.