The Australian cricket coach Tim Nielsen says fast bowler Brett Lee won't be rushed back for the third Ashes Test if he hasn't fully recovered from his side strain.
The tourists are keen to have Lee for next week's clash in Birmingham after going down 1-0 in the five-match series at Lord's but if he aggravates the injury, his Ashes campaign is over.
Side strain is a common problem for fast bowlers and Nielsen expected the team's medical staff to know today if Lee can play the three-day practice match against Northampton starting on Friday.
Lee hasn't played a Test since the Boxing Day clash against South Africa but looked to be getting back to his best when he suffered this latest setback a fortnight ago.
Nielsen's confirmed that misfiring quick Mitchell Johnson will play in Northampton and Shane Watson is set to play his first match of the tour as well, following a niggling knee injury.
