Lee out of Third Test

Australian fast bowler, Brett Lee, was today ruled out of the Third Test starting in Adelaide on 15 December after precautionary scans identified significant bony stress in his lower back.

The decision to rest Lee from the match is precautionary step to give the area time to recover and to ensure that this complaint does not progress to a more serious and long term injury.

ACB Doctor, Trefor James, said that while Lee was keen to make the trip to Adelaide, it was in his long-term interests to not play in the Third Test.

"The benefit of this early diagnosis is that we can address the problem before it becomes a more serious injury," said Dr James.

"It was likely that if he had continued bowling that this injury would lead to a stress fracture."

Dr James also highlighted the fact that while the stress reaction had occurred in Lee's back it was not in the same area and was not related to the serious back injury Lee suffered early in his career.

A philosophical Lee said that while he understood the need for him to miss the match he was still disappointed at the prospect of not being in the Australian team.

"Every chance you get to represent your country is a great honor and while I know that its in my best interests to miss this match, I'm still very disappointed at not being able to play," said Lee.

The ACB medical staff will monitor Brett's recovery over the coming weeks with further scans to take place before the next Test starting in Melbourne on Boxing Day.