Australia have applied to the ICC technical committee for approval to replace Lee with Stuart Clark in their 15-man squad. 

On Thursday, the Australian selectors said Lee's ankle would be scanned next Tuesday to give him the maximum opportunity to prove his fitness. 

But just 24 hours later team doctor Trefor James, on the advice of an orthopaedic specialist, told the Australian selectors that Lee had no chance of recovering in time for start of the World Cup on March 13. 

"Brett has injured the ligaments in his left ankle and after further review by orthopaedic surgeon Kim Slater, Kim has today advised me that the injury has not improved over the last week," read a statement from James on Cricket Australia's official website on Friday. 

"On that basis I have advised Cricket Australia that Brett will not be fit to resume bowling for two to three months." 

Chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch commented: "It is a great disappointment for Brett Lee that he is unable to take place in the Cricket World Cup and is a significant blow for the planning and preparation in place for the tournament. 

"However it does give a tremendous opportunity for Stuart Clark to join the 15-man squad. 

"Stuart was extremely unlucky to miss out on initial selection and despite the unfortunate circumstances surrounding his inclusion we strongly believe that Stuart is primed to seize his opportunity. 

"Though Brett's injury is disappointing from a personal and team perspective, we strongly believe we are taking a squad of players more than capable of winning a third successive Cricket World Cup." 

The loss of Lee is the latest blow to Australia's World Cup preparations, with Matthew Hayden (toe), Michael Clarke (hip) and Andrew Symonds all nursing injuries. 

Symonds will definitely travel to the Caribbean but will not be available for the opening stage, while vice captain Adam Gilchrist will also take no part in the first phase as he is staying in Australia to witness the birth of his third child. 
 

But Clarke and Hayden must prove their fitness or face being replaced prior to the start of the competition. 

Australia have lost their last five ODIs, two against England in the CB Series finals and a Chappell-Hadlee Series whitewash in New Zealand. 

They are drawn in Group A at the World Cup and are scheduled to play Scotland (Mar 14), the Netherlands (Mar 18) and South Africa (Mar 24) in St Kitts during the opening phase.

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