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28-Apr-2010 16:55:00 GMT
ICC Twenty20 World Cup, 2010

Harris to Replace Lee in Australian Squad for T20 WC

Melbourne: Pacer Ryan Harris, who had a good stint with the Deccan Chargers during IPL 3, will replace injured Brett Lee in Australia's 15-member squad for the ICC World Twenty20 in West Indies.

Lee was ruled out of the squad after suffering a soreness in his right elbow during Australia's first warm-up game against Zimbabwe in St Lucia.

The National Selection Panel soon announced Queenslander Harris' name following confirmation from the ICC's event technical committee.

"While it obviously disappointing for Brett this gives Ryan Harris a wonderful opportunity to join the Australian squad in the West Indies for the ICC World Twenty20 tournament," NSP chairman Andrew Hilditch said.

"Ryan was very close to selection in the initial 15-man squad. He has been in excellent form for Australia in one-day and Test formats and during his recent stint at the IPL.

"We believe he is the ideal replacement for Brett being a right-arm swing bowler with a good ability to bowl at the death of an innings. His ability with the bat and in the field also adds extra versatility to our squad," he added.

However, it was yet another injury for Lee, who hurt his forearm muscles near the elbow and would need special treatment.

"During yesterday's game against Zimbabwe, Brett developed increasing right elbow pain and by the time he completed his final over the pain was significant," Australian physiotherapist Alex Kountouris said.

"At the conclusion of the innings it was obvious Brett had sustained an injury to one of the forearm muscles near the elbow and this was confirmed by a subsequent MRI scan.

"Due to the condensed nature of this tournament Brett will not recover in time to take any further part and has therefore been withdrawn from the squad.

"This is not a recurrence of the elbow injury that recently required surgery but a new injury that will require specialist opinion upon his return to Australia," he added.

Australia will play their opening game against defending champions Pakistan on Sunday in St Lucia.


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