MELBOURNE, Aug 20: Star Australian paceman Brett Lee will miss the upcoming one-day series against Bangladesh to deal with a ‘family issue’, Cricket Australia (CA) announced on Wednesday.

In a surprise move, Lee was replaced for the three-match series by Tasmanian Brett Geeves, who has not previously played for Australia.

Acting CA chief executive Michael Brown said Lee would also be allowed to miss a pre-series training camp in Coolum and matches in Darwin on Aug 30 and Sept 3 and 6, but was confident Australia would cover his absence.

“The selectors are comfortable this move will maintain the competitive edge for the Australian side and provide a wonderful opportunity for Brett Geeves to join the Australian group for the first time,” Brown said. “We look forward to Brett Lee rejoining the group as soon as possible.”

Australia are already without captain Ricky Ponting for the series, while he recovers from wrist surgery.

Opener Matthew Hayden has been named for the series, despite lingering concerns over an Achilles injury.

Bangladesh have injury concerns of their own, with opener Nazimuddin forced out of the series by an injured finger. He will be replaced by fellow opener Junaed Siddique.—AFP