Lee ruled out of series

Australia's injury problems deepened on Wednesday morning as Brett Lee's ankle injury flared up again after a training session the previous day. To make matters worse, Michael Kasprowicz also suffered a sprained shoulder injury which prevented him from bowling again in Sri Lanka's first innings.

Lee had initially injured his left ankle during Australia's practice match last week. X-rays revealed no structural damage and Australia had been hopeful that he would be fit in time for the second Test in Kandy next week. But post-training soreness forced the team management to send him home.

"Brett [Lee] is suffering from inflammation at the back of his ankle joint," said Kontouri. "As a result we felt it was prudent for him to be seen by doctors in Australia, rather than remain on tour where it is now apparent that his condition is not improving." Lee will have his ankle checked by Dr Martin Sullivan, a foot specialist.

"Initially I felt pretty good after the training session but once the pain returned I knew I was in trouble," Lee said in a statement. "I am really disappointed. I guess it's back to square one now to rectify the problem. That's tough but I need to be as positive as possible to get back as soon as possible."

Lee's withdrawal paves the way for a possible return of Glen McGrath. McGrath failed to convince the selectors of his form or fitness when the Test squad was initially selected but he has now returned to first-class cricket and claimed he is ready to return to the national team.

Kasprowicz, meanwhile, sprained his shoulder after colliding with a ball boy just before close of play on the second day. Kasprowicz did not appear to have injured himself at the time but he suffered pain in his right shoulder afterwards and the team management decided not to risk further aggravation.