Brett Lee will miss Australia's first match in the 2001 Carlton Series against the West Indies on Thursday night.

Lee, who has not bowled since the final day of the Second Test against the West Indies on December 3, has been suffering from bone stress in his lower back. He is scheduled to have a scan on his back tomorrow.

According to Australian team physiotherapist Errol Alcott, Lee will be eased into net bowling if he is cleared by tomorrow's scan, with a view to him missing the opening Carlton Series match at the MCG on Thursday.

Depending on his progress in the nets this week, Lee could be available to play for Australia against the West Indies in their second match of the competition, at the Gabba, Brisbane, on Sunday.

Lee played for Mosman in the Sydney first grade competition against Balmain this weekend, his first game of competitive cricket for a month, but did not bowl.

Lee's delayed comeback to the Australian team opens the way for New South Wales left-arm paceman Nathan Bracken to make his international debut on Thursday.

© 2001 CricInfo Ltd