Lee to miss third Test

Melbourne: Fast bowling sensation Brett Lee will miss Australia's third Test in Adelaide against the West Indies starting on Friday because of a "bony stress in his lower back", the Australian Cricket Board (ACB) said on Sunday. "The benefit of this early diagnosis is that we can address the problem before it becomes a more serious injury," ACB doctor Trefor James said in an ACB statement released on Sunday. "It was likely that if he had continued bowling that this injury would lead to a stress fracture." Dr James said while the stress reaction had occurred in Lee's back it was not related to the serious back injury which Lee suffered early in his career. "Every chance you get to represent your country is a great honour and while I know that it's in my best interests to miss this match, I'm still very disappointed at not being able to play," said Lee, one of the fastest bowlers in world cricket. Lee's progress will be monitored leading up to the fourth test starting on December 26 in Melbourne.Copyright AFP 2000