Lee could miss Pakistan ODI series

Brett Lee has not completely recovered from his ankle injury and could miss the upcoming ODI series against Pakistan in UAE. Left-arm fast bowler, Doug Bollinger has been added to the Australian squad as cover. Lee, currently in South Africa, will remain there to continue his recovery process.

"The National Selection Panel (NSP) has been advised by Cricket Australia medical staff that Brett Lee is not yet fit enough to resume international cricket," Andrew Hilditch, the chairman of selectors, said. "While it's disappointing for Brett to miss the start of the VB Pakistan series, the NSP wants to take

Lee suffered the injury during Australia's home series against South Africa and was hoping to make a return to the national side during the ongoing series against South Africa.

"Brett's ankle has recovered well from surgery in January this year," Alex Kountouris, the team physiotherapist, said. "However, the rehabilitation process is ongoing and, to date, Brett has not bowled sufficiently to allow him to be fit to resume playing cricket."

"I will be monitoring Brett's progress to assess his availability for any part of the VB series against Pakistan in the UAE."

Meanwhile, Hilditch was confident that Bollinger would repay the selector's faith in him. "Doug was probably a bit disappointed not to get a run during the Test series in South Africa, but this is an opportunity for him to impress at one-day level for Australia and I'm sure it's an opportunity he'll be keen to make the most of," Hilditch said.

Australia are scheduled to play 5 ODIs and a Twenty20 against Pakistan starting April 22.