Now it is wide open (Lee is out of the WC)

[Tigers_eye]

The race to fitness stumbled. Lee will miss the WC2007. Aussies have real concern now. Start Clark is the replacement.

Australia fast bowler Brett Lee has been ruled out of next month's World Cup with an ankle injury.

The 30-year-old will be replaced in their 15-man squad by New South wales team-mate Stuart Clark, who took 26 wickets in the recent Ashes series.
Lee injured ligaments in his left ankle last week while training. "It is a great disappointment for Brett Lee and it is a significant blow for our planning and preparation," said chief selector Andrew Hilditch.

This evens the playing field. Australia after losing the number one ranking are no longer the favorites. (At least in my book now)

Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, West Indies, Pakistan (if shoaib and asif passes the drug test) or even India; all can claim the trophy.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/cricket/other_international/australia/6385081.stm

[al Furqaan]

missing a B Lee, i don't think OZ is missing that much. yes any other team would be in dire straits, but the OZ still have tait (who is prolly faster), johnson, bracken, and the great Pigeon.

a loss, but not one to derail them if they have the form. which they might regain after a drubbing to the kiwis.

[FaridpurChicago]

Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, West Indies, Pakistan (if shoaib and asif passes the drug test) or even India; all can claim the trophy.


... even India (if they can pass Bangladesh)

[Rabz]

i think missing Lee would be a great factor.
Yes, they might have Tait, Clarke,Johnson.. but none of them does strike fear or intimidation to a batsman heart as Lee has been doing over the years.

in my book, he has been one of the best odi bowlers in recent times. As a lightning fast pacer, offcourse he goes for some run, but always has the ability to strike back and take wickets in the most crucial stages of the game. And mind you, he is a not a dub with the bat as well.

More so, he could have provided a sea of experience to this otherwise new bowling line up of Australia (except McGrath)... which comes very very handy in tournaments like World cup.

Another fact for me is now the ageing Pigeon has an extra load as well. All his bowling commadors are new. With Lee being there and sharing the responsibility of the second strike bowler, McGrath had a window to breath.

The rest of the bowlers are good, dont get me wrong. Clarke is simply unplayable at time, tait could tear you apart, but they are simply not Brett Lee.

And one of the biggest thing i like about Lee is his sportsmanship and commitment to the game. I have never seen someone running so hard and bowling so fast and still managing so good to field/catching of his own bowling.

I for one would miss Lee a lot during the world cup.