Sydney, Mar 10: Australian fast bowler Brett Lee has been ruled out of the Sri Lanka tour with an ankle injury. Australia, however, is yet to announce a replacement for him in the 15-man squad currently touring the island nation. Lee, who has already missed the first test in Galle, injured his left ankle during last week s tour match against the Sri Lankan Board President’s XI in Colombo. The decision to send Lee home was made this morning after he complained of pain in the ankle joint, a ca release said here today.

Lee will return to Australia for consultation with leading foot and ankle specialist, Dr Martin Sullivan, who operated on the pacer's ankle last October.

Meanwhile it was not known how long Lee will take to return to action.
Australian team physiotherapist Alex Kountouri said, ''Brett is suffering from inflammation at the back of the ankle joint.
B Bureau Report