Australia fast bowler Brett Lee will miss the first Ashes Test against England starting on Wednesday after tearing a muscle in his left rib area.

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"I have sustained a small muscle tear which has ruled me out of the first Test," Lee told a news conference at the team's hotel.

"I still see myself playing a major role for Australia through the end part of the series, whether that's the second, third, fourth or fifth Test match depending on how things go."

Team physiotherapist Alex Kountouris said a scan had revealed a muscle strain.

"It's not as bad as it could have been. It looks as if he's out of the first Test, he's not out of Lord's but the chances are slim," Kountouris said.

Lee also indicated he did not expect to be fit in time for the second Test at Lord's starting next Thursday.

"At this point at time it's possibly looking like two weeks before I can bowl again," he said.

The 32-year-old Lee, who has returned to the Australia sideafter undergoing a fifth ankle operation, was a certainty for the first Test after ripping through the England Lions middle-order in a warmup match last week.

He bowled with all his old express pace and obtained devastating reverse swing in taking six for 76 in the first innings.

"I will be missing the first Test match which is very disappointing. However, if it was my ankle or something structural I would be much more concerned," he said.

"It's only the only second time I have torn a muscle in my body in 16 years."

Australia media officer Philip Pope said there were no plans to send for a replacement.