Australia Cricket / Editor / 23 February 2007 /

Australia officials have confirmed that Brett Lee will miss the World Cup because of his ankle injury.

The New South Wales paceman injured ligaments in his left ankle in training last week and despite extensive treatment and rest, Lee will not play a part in the Caribbean.

The 30-year-old admitted: "I think it's every young kid's dream to play for their country and to play in a World Cup is probably what it's all about as far as one-day cricket goes.
"It's pretty hard to swallow, but you've just got to accept things sometimes."

Lee's absence means a call-up for Stuart Clark, the leading wicket taker in the recent Ashes series after claiming 26 scalps.

Chief selector Andrew Hilditch stated: "It is a great disappointment for Brett Lee and it is a significant blow for our planning and preparation.
"However, it does give a tremendous opportunity for Stuart Clark, who was extremely unlucky to miss out on initial selection."

As well as the impact on Australia's World Cup chances, Lee's absence will have a major bearing on Betfair's 'World Cup - Top Wicket Taker' market.

South Africa's Makhaya Ntini is the current 9.2 favourite, with New Zealand's Shane Bond available at 11.5 and Sri Lanka's Muttiah Muralitharan trading at 12.5.

Nathan Bracken is the best priced Australian bowler on 16, while Glenn McGrath is 17.5 to top the bowling charts on his international swansong.

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