Australia's Lee in doubt for New Zealand opener

SYDNEY, Feb 15 (Reuters) Australian fast bowler Brett Lee is a doubt for tomorrow's opening Chappell-Hadlee Trophy one-day match against New Zealand after rolling his ankle in training today. The 30-year-old paceman was taken to hospital for scans on his knee and ankle after tripping over during fielding practice at Wellington's Basin Reserve ground, the venue for tomorrow's opening match.

He was initially treated by the team's medical staff but was then carried to a van and taken to hospital for further investigation.

''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 Cricket Australia 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,'' he said.

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

Ricky Ponting and Adam Gilchrist have been rested for the tour in preparation for the World Cup starting in the West Indies next month.

REUTERS SAM PM1010