Lee to undergo ankle surgery

Brett Lee will undergo surgery to his left ankle at St Vincent's Private Hospital in Sydney on Thursday afternoon in an attempt to relieve him from pain in the back of his ankle. He will also use the enforced break to correct an ongoing posterior impingement problem.

Errol Alcott, Australia's physiotherapist, explained Lee had been troubled by the condition for some time. "Due to the increased workload during the first 3 Test match against Zimbabwe in Perth, Brett felt pain in his ankle that he has had on and off during the past season," he said. "With the injury to his stomach muscle we were presented with a window of opportunity to also correct this problem while Brett takes a break from competition.

"Brett will be reviewed again towards the end of November following an intensive rehabilitation program."