London, July 24: Australian speedster Brett Lee ruled himself out of the third Ashes Test at Edgbaston, scheduled to start next Thursday. Instead of rushing himself back into the third Test, Lee is now targeting the fourth Test at Leeds for making his comeback.
He has also decided not to take part in the weekend’s tour match in Northampton.
“I`d be lying if I said I was available for the third Test because it`s going to be very, very tight,” Lee told an Australian daily.
“I don`t want to put the team in jeopardy because there is a chance something might happen. It`s not a great outcome if I`m out there bowling and I tear it again”, said the fast bowler who has had a history of breaking down during crunch matches.
Lee’s delayed return could jeopardise Australia’s chances of making a comeback after the Lord’s defeat last week. His absence means more pressure on misfiring Mitchell Johnson who has been in pathetic form in the series so far.
Despite knowing the fact that Oz badly need him in the remaining Tests, Lee is not so keen to rush himself back.
“The way I`m looking now I`m focused on aiming for the fourth Test and making sure I`m right,” Lee said.
—-Agencies