Lee out for two Tests

I should be feeling jubilant at the news that Brett Lee's sore ribs will keep him out of the first two Tests, but I'm not sure it is all that big a deal. Lee's injury doesn't seem like the series-changing coup that Glenn McGrath's was in 2005.

It is true that Australia could do with a bowler of his experience - his departure means that there are only two players in the side (Ricky Ponting and Simon Katich) who played in the 2001 Ashes - but a bowling average of 31 is nothing to be scared of. He was tame in the two Tests he played against South Africa last winter with one wicket in four innings and was pretty toothless away to India as well. Sure, he bowled well against England Lions last week, but I'm not convinced that his loss really matters.

Now if Australia lost Mitchell Johnson, I'd be rubbing my hands with glee...

Actually, I wouldn't. I want the best players on both sides to be fit and ready for this Test. But I wonder whether Ben Hilfenhaus wouldn't be a more threatening pick than Lee anyway.

Comments

[GoodCricketWicket]

Have you been reading my blog Mr. Kidd?!

http://goodcricketwicket.co.uk/what-difference-will-lees-injury-make

Is this a case of great minds think alike or a single thought between us?

[Peter McGuinness]

Patrick has insight into the trials and tribulations of the Australian side during the last crazy 12 months of selection insanity...

Bing indeed demanded selection with his great performance against the Lions, however it may have (ironically) solved a problem for all but one Australian.

There was no way that Australia's current 'Brain's Trust' (very loose connection with the organ used for rational thought), led by part-time chief selector Hilditch, would have played Stuart Clark and Hilfenhaus in the same team. Thanks to North's superb knock, and Lee's terrible luck, it may not even be possible for Hilditch to stuff up the attack.

Without a shadow of doubt, it would have been perfectly sensible to play all five quicks, in consideration that our best spinners are undoubtedly Katich and Clarke; and that Johnson is the best all rounder Australia has seen since Miller. That's Keith. Sorry Funky.

However, such is the current fixation with 'specialist positions' that Hauritz and McDonald (??) were likely to play, leaving just Johnson, Lee battling Siddle, and Clark battling Hilfy.

Bing's injury is very bad luck, but in addition to North's inclusion, it actually makes it more likely that we'll enjoy four specialist bowlers (for once!) with the spin shared between blokes who are internationally capable, rather than the poor buggers we've seen put to the sword over the last year. In summary, Katich, Clarke, North, Johnson, Siddle, Clark and Hilfenhaus should share the bowling.

Pommy headlines are accurate, but missing the point.

Yes, the plans of Hiditch, Neilsen and co are in disarray. But that is the best possible news for Australia's prospects! When Bing returns they may even decide to play a full strength attack in pursuit of 20 wickets! I know, no point getting too ahead of ourselves...

[Som]

Poor fish, Lee. He had no other way but to stress himself in the warm-up match and now the chap looks uncertain for the entire series. Maybe his presence would not have made any difference but Australia surely have to alter their gameplan now.

[mr grainger]

More importantly - have you been reading my blog http://sportwriter.wordpress.com/2009/07/06/brett-lee-and-michael-vaughan-reverse-sweeps-mystical-powers-bear-fruit-despite-magazine-cover-up/ or simply www.reversesweep.co.uk