Brett Lee banned from IPL
Written by: Brendon Meynell
Sports Force Interactive - Sydney
Injured Australian Speedstar Brett Lee has been sensationally banned from playing in the 2009 edition of the Indian Premier League by Cricket Australia, despite already being in South Africa for the upcoming tournament.
Brett Lee recently made an ambitious bid for inclusion into Australia's One Day squad who take on Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates next week, and after initially being named in the touring squad was ruled out just days ago after failing a medical test with the announcement that New South Wales bowler Doug Bollinger would replace the firey quick.
Lee opted to stay in South Africa with his Indian Premier League franchise, in a bid to overcome his injury and have some match fitness under his belt before the 2009 ICC Twenty20 World Cup to be staged in England ahead of the much anticipated Ashes Series.
However Cricket Australia this evening informed Brett Lee that due to being injured and unavailable for international duties, in there minds he is unfit to take part in this edition of the Indian Premier League, in what is a blow to the 33 year olds chances of making the Ashes squad to be named when Australia's involvement in the Twenty20 World Cup is over.
For the former bowling spearhead he knows that a good series for Bollinger in the UAE against Pakistan could see his replacement leapfrog him for test selection for the 2009 Ashes Series, and is desperate to make a return to the playing field.
It is believed that Brett Lee will make a final appeal to selectors seeking permission to play in Englands County Cricket for the much needed match practice.
Source: Sports Force Interactive
merksfi added 21 Minutes and 58 Seconds later...
its a real shame he is out could of done wonders, looking forward to see how McCullum does as captain of Knight Riders!