NFT - Lee going home from S.L

[Doctor]

MEDIA RELEASE
10 March 2004


Injured Brett Lee to miss Travelex Tour of Sri Lanka

Australian fast-bowler Brett Lee has been forced out of the Travelex Tour of Sri Lanka with an ankle injury.

A replacement for the New South Welshman in the 15-man squad will be announced in due course.

Lee, who has already missed the first Test in Galle, injured his left ankle during last week’s tour match against the Sri Lankan Board President’s XI in Colombo.

Having undertaken an eight over practice spell yesterday (Tuesday 9 March), the decision to send Lee home was made this morning after he suffered more pain in the ankle joint.

He will return to Australia for consultation with leading foot and ankle specialist, Dr Martin Sullivan, who operated on Lee’s ankle last October.

It is not yet known for how long he will be sidelined.

Australian team physiotherapist Alex Kountouri said: “Brett is suffering from inflammation at the back of the ankle joint.

“Given it is the ankle that was operated on last October, we felt it was prudent to get him seen to by doctors back in Australia, rather than remain on tour where it has become apparent that his condition hasn’t improved,” he said.

Brett Lee said: “Initially I felt pretty good after yesterday’s training session, but once the pain returned, I knew that I was in trouble.

“I’m really disappointed because I thought that I might be on the improve after the treatment I’ve been receiving.

“I guess it’s now back to square one, to try and rectify the problem once and for all.

“That’s tough, but it’s life I guess and I need to be as positive as possible to get back playing as soon as I can,” he said.

Once again, Michael Kasprowicz finds himself asked to perform the job in a foreign country. It seems Kasprowicz, like many back-ups before him, will be assessed on his ability to bowl well in unfavourable fast bowling conditions. So far he isn't doing too badly.

So, the big question: Who to send out? ........
Nathan Bracken?
Andy Bichel (on the eve of a Pura Cup Final) ?
Glenn McGrath even?

I suspect Bichel will want to win another Pura Cup title - I wonder whether they'd revert back to him again so soon after dropping him. I also wonder whether a Queensland-dominated selection panel would ask a team-man like Bichel to decide between a state-final or an international cricket tour.

I'm leaning towards Bracken - he is good on the sub-continent, and is a fringe player anyway. Is he fit? He took some wickets recently against Queensland.

Or will they call Glenn back - I kind of hope they do.

 

[Matt23]

Glenn McGrath!

 

[Matt23]

South Australian rookie, Shaun Tait has been called up as Lee's replacement.

 

[IanG]

Well even though I still think Andy Bichel was stiffed big time for being dropped in the first place. I think it's good to see the selectors calling up a young player. Shaun Tait is only 19 or 20 and he's shown alot of promise this season for the Redbacks.

Glenn McGrath they say still hasn't had enough match practice to show his fittness.

 

[Doctor]

Truth be told: I was going to say Shaun Tait but thought that surely Bracken, McGrath or Bichel would be ahead of him based completely on experience.
I thought the selectors might have gone the conservative approach and send someone they know will go well.

Then again, if you're looking to replace a fast impact bowler like Lee, who is the next best impact bowler in the country? Shaun Tait. The Sri Lankans won't have seen much of him at all, and he has the form to back up his selection claims.

It is unusual to be called up for a Test tour prior to playing a few ODI matches, but obviously they see Tait as a "right now" player. Injuries may wreck his career down the track, but why not utilise him now?