Losing Glenn McGrath before the second
Test was bad enough. But now comes the shock overnight news that
new-ball partner Brett Lee is also a medical casualty and in hospital.
Our Ashes campaign is now in turmoil with two strike bowlers out of
action and several fit players in the middle of a form slump that could
see at least one or more dropped.

Lee was taken to a Birmingham
hospital after he suffered pain and swelling in an infected left knee.
He’s now on an intravenous drip and being treated with antibiotics.
Errol Alcott, the Australian team’s physiotherapist, rated Lee’s
chances of playing at Old Trafford as 50:50.

Angus Fraser, writing in today’s Independent,
says the infection was the result of abrasions to the skin behind the
knee picked up in the first Test at Lord’s a fortnight ago. He remained
under observation last night and won’t travel to Manchester with the
rest of the squad.

“He has had blood tests and we will find out
the results on Tuesday… The medical staff know his situation but they
would not be happy for him to play unless his medical signs are
resolved,” Alcott said.

What next?