Australia's Lee cleared of broken ankle

SYDNEY, Feb 15 (Reuters) Australia fast bowler Brett Lee has been cleared of any major breaks after suffering an ankle injury in practice today for the opening Chappell-Hadlee Trophy one-day match against New Zealand.

The 30-year-old Lee underwent x-rays after rolling his ankle during fielding practice in Wellington and he will have an MRI scan later today to test for ligament damage. Lee looks likely to miss at least the first match of the three-game series against the New Zealanders and he could be doubtful for the start of Australia's World Cup defence in the West Indies next month.

Cricket Australia (CA) said it would wait for the results of the MRI scan on Friday before deciding whether to call up another player to replace Lee.

''He felt something in both his knee and his ankle. I am not sure of the extent of the injury,'' stand-in captain Mike Hussey said in a CA statement.

''It will be a loss if we lose him. He is Australia's third highest wicket-taker in one-day internationals. He is good with the new ball and he gets wickets,'' Hussey added.

Stand-in vice-captain Michael Clarke is struggling with hip soreness and Phil Jaques is on standby. Mitchell Johnson is likely to step into the team should Lee be ruled out.

Ricky Ponting and Adam Gilchrist have been rested from the series in preparation for the World Cup.

REUTERS SAM HS1111