Australian fast bowler Brett Lee is to have surgery to repair the medial ligament and flexor tendon in his right elbow on Tuesday 6 February, it was announced today.

The injury to his elbow, which was sustained while fielding during the Carlton Series match against Zimbabwe in Perth on Sunday 4 February, will rule the New South Wales fast bowler out of the forthcoming tour of India.

He will then be assessed with a view to his availability for the tour of the UK that begins in late May 2001.

The injury is a new one that has no direct relationship to the elbow injury he sustained early in his career.

Lee sustained the problem while returning the ball from near the boundary during Zimbabwe's run-chase on Sunday afternoon.

He remained on the field and bowled a spell late in the match before going off the ground for treatment. That spell did not result in any further damage to the elbow.

Lee had a scan on the injury in Perth on Sunday evening before flying to Melbourne to have the elbow evaluated further, an evaluation that confirmed the extent of the problem.

Brett Lee said: "This is bitterly disappointing especially as I've only just come back from the back injury that kept me out of three Tests. Ironically, my back's fine.

"It's obviously a set-back but I will be trying to remain as positive as possible and I'll be looking forward to the series that follow the tour of India. I'm already targeting the tour of the UK for my comeback."

It is hoped that Brett Lee may be available for comment following the surgery, on Thursday. This will be confirmed in due course.

© 2001 Australian Cricket Board