Lee’s absence will be a setback for Australia, says Warne

LONDON - Shane Warne feels that Brett Lee’s absence from the first Ashes Test is a huge setback for Australia.

Lee has been ruled out of the opening match against England, starting in Cardiff Wednesday. His chances of playing the second Test at Lord’s are also slim, because of an abdominal sprain dignosed Monday.

Warne, however, is confident the Australian team has enough depth in their bowling attack to fill the void left by the paceman, who had just made his way back into the Test squad after ankle and foot surgery.

“Brett Lee is a big loss,” Warne told a press conference after leading his Indian Premier League team, Rajasthan Royals, to victory in a charity match against Middlesex Panthers at Lord’s.

“He (Lee) was in my starting XI - him and Mitchell Johnson with the new ball is quite exciting. He’s obviously just starting to find a bit of form too, so a big loss for Australia, but they’re very lucky they’ve got good back-up.”

The legspin great believed Stuart Clark and Ben Hilfenhaus would be worthy replacements to step in alongside Johnson and Peter Siddle.

“The Australian side have tried new players through that transitional period. Those players have all played suddenly two Test series, three Test series, they’ve played 10, 12 Tests, so they’ve got some experience, they feel a bit more comfortable in the group, understanding their role.”

“That team has gelled together a bit more now. The transition period is over now. Those guys are starting to perform and I think they’ll play exceptionally well here.”