Lee sent home

Donny · Posted: Wed Mar 10, 2004 4:57 pm

Brett Lee has been sent back to Oz for specialist treatment for his injured ankle.

A replacement hasn't been announced but it's interesring to speculate.

Why send another quiick ? Williams has been cooling his heels in Sri Lanka for weeks.

What about Hoggy ? Is he a chance ? I'd rather see Warne and Hogg in tandem than Warne/MacGill.

Thoughts ?

Donny · Posted: Wed Mar 10, 2004 5:04 pm

Brett Lee sent home

By Michael Donaldson - Fox

AUSTRALIA'S tour of Sri Lanka is in disarray with Brett Lee to return home for specialist treatment on his damaged ankle and Michael Kasprowicz sidelined with a shoulder injury.

The decision to send home Lee came just minutes after it was announced Kasprowicz was unable to bowl in the rest of Sri Lanka's first innings in the first cricket Test here because of a sprained shoulder.

A replacement player for Lee was expected to be named later today.

Lee was forced out of the first Test after failing to recover from an ankle injury he sustained during Australia's tour match in Colombo.

After four days rest he trained on Tuesday, bowling eight overs in two bouts before the play and during the lunch break.

This morning, the pain he suffered in Colombo had returned and it was decided he needed specialist treatment back in Sydney.

Lee will see foot and ankle specialist Martin Sullivan, who operated on Lee's ankle last year to remove bone spurs.

The legacy of that operation is the cause of pain Lee's pain, which he described as being "like someone sticking a knife in the back of your ankle".

"Initially I felt pretty good after yesterday's training session but once the pain returned I knew I was in trouble," Lee said this morning.

"I'm really disappointed because I thought I might be on the improve.

"I guess it's now back to square one to try to rectify the problem once and for all.

"It's tough, it's life I guess, and I need to be as positive as possible to get back playing as soon as I can."

Australian team physiotherapist Alex Kountouri said the pain, caused by inflammation at the back of the ankle, needed specialist treatment.

"We felt it was prudent to get him seen to by doctors in Australia rather than remain on tour where it's apparent his condition is not improving."

Meanwhile, Kasprowicz sprained his shoulder while diving to try to stop a boundary late on the second day of the Test.

He woke up this morning feeling sore and stiff and has been ruled out for at least the rest of Sri Lanka's innings.

The home side was set to resume at 6-352 on the third day, with Australia down to just one pace bowler in Jason Gillespie.

Kasprowicz will be monitored by team medical staff but it's uncertain at this stage if he will be fit enough to bowl in Sri Lanka's second innings.

Donny · Posted: Wed Mar 10, 2004 5:08 pm

Well, that adds a bit of spice to the equation. Very Happy

Kaspa down too.

JLC · Posted: Wed Mar 10, 2004 5:14 pm

Send the iron man in Bichel to take over the filiming of the tour. That will keep him out of the Pura Cup final Wink

Is it possible to fly over Brackens left arm ??

jlc

Donny · Posted: Wed Mar 10, 2004 5:31 pm

Bichel. Excellent idea, mate. Get him on the plane before Friday.

commonwombat · commonwombat Joined: 12 Jul 2003 Location: sydney/s.africa

JLC, you do disappoint me. You have been advocating the selection of Matthew Inness ad nauseum all season yet when this golden chance comes up, you desist and instead favour a player who's merits you have derided previously. Consistency, thy name is not JLC.

Donny, we can agree. The Warne/Hogg combo has far more attraction than Warne/McGill. Williams is there, and was arguably somewhat unfortunate to miss 1st Test selection but a replacement pacemen is required as Symonds will not fill the void.

Nominations anyone ???

Not certain that they would consider risking McGrath. Therefore names like Nicholson and Noffke come to mind. Not sure that Bracken has convinced anyone that he's Test class. Inness maybe, or will they look maybe at a softer initiation.

JLC · Posted: Wed Mar 10, 2004 6:47 pm

I was being sarchastic with my selections. As in Buchel is the best cameraman we have....lol

jlc

Donny · Posted: Wed Mar 10, 2004 6:56 pm

Wombat, you're probably closer than you think with Pigeon. Wouldn't surprise me at all.

After his warm up comeback game with the NSW seconds, he bowled superbly in last week's Pura Cup match, after which he stated he was ready for a call up if needed for the second Sri Lanka Test.

Watch this space. Very Happy

commonwombat · commonwombat Joined: 12 Jul 2003 Location: sydney/s.africa

Think that it is distinctly on the cards. My concern is whether it is worth the risk at this stage.

He's been out for effectively a full season and a 2nd XI match is scarcely a satisfactory workout before being pitchforked into a Test match.

JLC · Posted: Wed Mar 10, 2004 7:53 pm

A one legged half fit McGrath is better than a fully fit iron man in Bichel

jlc

The Prototype · Posted: Wed Mar 10, 2004 7:58 pm

I'd send McGrath, they should of sent him anyway he could of played in the Tour games, which would of given him some more match fitness.

Johnson#26 · Joined: 18 Dec 2003

Bichel or McGrath. BTW - Is Kasprowicz out for the tour, or just the rest of the 1st test? If so, then bring Bic & McGrath into the squad.

pies4ever · Joined: 11 Feb 2002 Location: rosebud,vic,australia

williams will come straight into the team for the injured lee,and i think it will be bichel that will be flown over for kaspa if he isnt fit for the next test,or maybe even hogg to add abit of different spin into the team also..

cheers bryan..!!

Kristin5 · Fiery Redhead Joined: 19 Apr 2001

It'd be good for the Vics if Bichel is the man chosen to go over to Sri Lanka! So hopefully it's him.

I can't see McGrath going over - as surely the hard grounds wouldn't be good for his injuries? Maybe he's better off being slowly initiated back into cricket, and Sri Lanka probably isn't the place for him. That said, I would like to see him back in action as he's definitely the best paceman we've got!

Canberra · Posted: Thu Mar 11, 2004 12:24 pm

And the winner is.....Shaun Tait.