Brett Lee doubtful for first Ashes Test

Australian fast bowler Brett Lee could miss the first Ashes Test against England starting in Cardiff on Wednesday because of a rib injury, his team said on Monday.

Lee, one of Australia's key bowlers in the 2005 series, suffered soreness in his ribs following the drawn warm-up game against the England Lions.

The 32-year-old was due to undergo a scan on Monday to identify the source of the pain, with the results expected later in the day or on Tuesday.

"He has a sore left rib, but we won't know the extent of it until the scans are back," an Australian team spokesman said in a statement.

Lee was not guaranteed a place for Wednesday's start, having been out of Test action since December, but he improved his chances by taking six first-innings wickets against the England Lions at Worcester.

"He's been a wonderful player for Australia for such a long time and I know he's worked really had over the last 12 months to get back here and he's really looking forward to getting the opportunity," Australia vice-captain Michael Clarke told Sky Sports News.

"Fingers crossed, but we'll know more when the scan results are back."

Decisions on what shape the Australia attack might take at Sophia Gardens were further complicated on Monday by rain that forced the tourists to practise indoors.