Lee's injury problems have returned

Brett Lee will miss the World Twenty20 competition in the West Indies after he was injured in Australia's shock one-run warm-up defeat by Zimbabwe.

The fast bowler, who retired from Test cricket in February, picked up a muscle strain in his right forearm.

The 33-year-old has not played any form of international cricket since October.

Australia, who begin their World Twenty campaign against Pakistan on Sunday, have called up Queensland pace bowler Ryan Harris as a late replacement.

After missing the entire Australian summer with an elbow injury, Lee had hoped to rekindle his international career in the Caribbean after working his way back to fitness.

He played four matches for the King's XI Punjab during the Indian Premier League, but failed to take a wicket.

The New South Welshman completed the match against Zimbabwe, bowling four overs and taking 1-13 as Zimbabwe posted 173-7, a total the Australians fell agonisingly short of overhauling.

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However, later MRI scans revealed the extent of the damage to Lee's forearm after he complained of soreness following the defeat.

An Australia team spokesman said Lee's latest injury was not related to his previous elbow complaint.

Australia play their second warm-up game against the Windward Islands on Thursday and will be hoping for a much-improved performance.

Elton Chigumbura, with 76 from just 35 balls, provided the impetus of Zimbabwe's innings, with Australian bowlers Shane Watson and Daniel Christian coming in for particularly severe punishment, their combined four overs going for 63 runs.

Australian opener David Warner responded with 72 off of 49 balls, while captain Michael Clarke smashed a rapid 49.

Needing 13 off the final over, Clarke was clean bowled off the penultimate delivery, before Mitchell Johnson was run out off a wide while needing four for victory and the final ball mustered just a bye.

The victory gives Zimbabwe a huge fillip ahead of their Group B opener against Sri Lanka on 3 May.

Zimbabwe have not played Test cricket since 2005, while they have struggled to compete with the major nations in the one-day game.

However, the return of key players like spinner Ray Price and all-rounder Andy Blignaut, along with the installation of new coach Alan Butcher, have given the team fresh impetus.

Zimbabwe shocked Australia in the inaugural tournament in South Africa in 2007 following a five-wicket victory in Cape Town.

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