Australia won't risk Lee, Hopes for Delhi ODI

Australia's [ Images ] hopes of strengthening their bowling attack suffered a blow when strike bowler Brett Lee [ Images ] was ruled out of the third one-day international against India [ Images ], at the Ferozshah Kotla, in New Delhi [ Images ], on Saturday.

Lee missed the second ODI in Nagpur, when India, led by Mahendra Singh Dhoni's [ Images ] blazing 124 from 107 deliveries, put up a mammoth 354 for seven in their 50 overs.

Australia buckled under the pressure of the huge total and were dismissed for 255. They lost by 99 runs, leaving the seven-match series level at 1-1.

Australia captain Ricky Ponting [ Images ] confirmed Lee and all-rounder James Hopes [ Images ] would not play the third ODI after the team's training session on Friday.

"Both those guys won't play tomorrow. Brett had a light bowl in the nets today as did Hopes. Hopes got through the bowling okay, but I actually think it's too much to risk and too soon. So he will sit out one more game.

"Brett bowled at 85 per cent in the nets and still felt a bit of pain and discomfort in his elbow. So he won't play tomorrow but, hopefully, with a couple of days rest he will be fit for the Mohali game," Ponting said.

He also revealed that including back-up all-rounder Moises Henriques for the Delhi ODI would be a big risk to take as he has not played international cricket.

"Henriques has joined the squad, but we haven't finalized the final eleven yet. Yes, it will be a big step up for him. He has played only 15 or 20 games for New South Wales and to play the international game will be a big hurdle for him," said Ponting.