p>
Brett Lee ... trying to stay as optimistic as possible for the World Cup.- Reuters

SYDNEY, CMC:

AUSTRALIAN QUICK Brett Lee said on Friday he had a '50/50' chance of playing in next month's Cricket World Cup in the Caribbean, after scans revealed damaged ligaments in his ankle.

Lee slipped and damaged his left ankle in a training session on Wednesday at the Basin Reserve in Wellington, New Zealand, as Australia prepared for their first match of the Chappell-Hadlee series against the hosts.

"The good news is that I don't need an operation. I don't need any screws in the bones which is positive," the 30-year-old Lee told the Daily Telegraph.

Unfit

"At the moment probably all I can say is that I'm 50/50 for the World Cup so fingers crossed. "I'll have to reassess in about a week. I need Dr Kim Slater to talk to Alex Kountouris (Australian team physio) over in New Zealand and I'll know a lot more."

Lee is a crucial member of the world champions bowling attack and will be sorely missed if he is ruled unfit.

He adds to the Aussie's injury woes with all-rounder Andrew Symonds recovering from a ruptured bicep and batsman Michael Clarke suffering from a sore hip.

Wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist will already miss the start of the Cricket World Cup due to the birth of his third child.

Optimistic

With just days before the start of the mega event, Lee said he was trying to stay positive.

"I'm trying to stay as optimistic as possible for the World Cup and, as I said, I'll know a lot more in a week," the strike bowler said.

"I've just been told to stay off the ankle for a week and put my foot in this brace for a while. I'll get back in the pool and keep my fitness up and try to keep a positive outlook.

"I want to remain nice and focused and hopefully be right for the World Cup."

Australia will play their group stage games in St. Kitts and Nevis against South Africa, Scotland and the Netherlands, starting March 14.