Lee not to play against India in Adelaide

Agencies

Posted online: Saturday, February 16, 2008 at 1042 hrs IST

Perth, February 16:
Concerned about the increased workload on pace spearhead Brett Lee, the Australian team management has decided to rest the speedster from tomorrow's tri-series cricket match against India in Adelaide.

Lee will not travel to Adelaide with the rest of the Australian team and missing tomorrow's match will give him almost a week-long break before the world champions plays their next match, against Sri Lanka on February 22 in Melbourne.

"Brett Lee will not travel with the Australia team to Adelaide and will not play in tomorrow's match as his workload is managed heading into the second half of the Commonwealth Bank Series," Cricket Australia said in a statement today.

Lee, who has been playing almost non-stop cricket ever since recovering from an ankle injury in the later half of last year, has been in terrific form in the series and has taken eight wickets in four matches at an impressive average of 19.

Cricket Australia had stated before the series that Lee would be rested in a few matches to balance his workload which has increased substantially following retirement by champion bowler Glenn McGrath.

Australia has won two and lost one match in the series so far.