Lee to resume bowling next week

Melbourne, Nov 4 : Australian fast bowler Brett Lee, who flew back home midway from the ODI series against India due an elbow injury, will resume bowling next week.

Cricket Australia (CA) said Wednesday that both Lee and wicketkeeper Tim Paine, who fractured his finger, underwent check-ups here and nothing serious was found.

CA physiotherapist Alex Kountouris said: "Brett has seen a specialist and CA medical staff in Melbourne. He had a scan that confirmed the cause of the pain as being a long standing bone spur near the elbow joint. It is felt there is no major problem with the joint and we are optimistic that he may be able to resume bowling fairly soon, possibly some time next week."

On Paine he said: "Tim Paine saw a hand specialist in Melbourne today and Tim doesn't require surgery to the fractured ring finger of his left hand. He will recommence cricket training in approximately three weeks time."

Kontouris also said that vice-captain Michael Clarke, who missed the ODI series in India with a back injury, has recovered well and would be available for selection for the first Test against the West Indies.

"Michael is making good progress and it's hoped he'll play for New South Wales before the first Test against the West Indies," he said.

--IANS