Australian fast bowler Brett Lee has been admitted to hospital with a suspected knee infection and is a doubt for the third Ashes Test on Thursday.

Lee experienced swelling and discomfort in his knee and was taken to hospital on Monday for -*test*-('")s and treatment.

He took four second-innings wickets at Edgbaston and almost batted Australia to victory with an unbeaten 43.

Australia are already set to be without Glenn McGrath at Old Trafford while he recovers from torn ankle ligaments.

Old Trafford traditionally favours spin and Australia could choose to replace Lee with Stuart MacGill.

Other options would be all-rounder Shane Watson or pace bowler Shaun Tait.

It would be a hollow victory to beat Australia without two of their best. Though there will be very few exuses for England if they can't.

Lee's absence though would not be as devestating as McGrath's, he has just fought his way back into the side. Kasper and Gillespie still present a solid bowling attack with Warne and Macgill or Watson or both in support.

This is a crucial game for Aussie opener Matthew Hayden. He is in the worst form of any of the Australian batsmen and perhaps his career. Expect Hayden to perform.

Greyman...no victory against the Aussies is hollow!

Imagine if Leeds beat Man Utd in the Prem, but only because they had half their first team out injured. Would you still be over the moon and take the p*ss? Of course you would

The Ashes are coming home!



Vicky