Taunton, England, July 13: Pace bowler Brett Lee was ruled out of Australia's four-day tour match against Somerset on Friday with a niggling rib injury.

A tour spokesman, however, said it was a minor problem ahead of next week's second Ashes test against England.

"We are taking a conservative approach in leaving him out," the spokesman said.

Lee, who has just returned to action following elbow surgery, was replaced in the team to play Somerset by batsman Damien Martyn.

Australia also rested captain Steve Waugh and vice-captain Adam Gilchrist, as well as the rest of their frontline bowling attack of Glenn McGrath, Jason Gillespie and Shane Warne.

Australia, who beat England by an innings and 118 runs in the first test, face their hosts in the second match at Lord's starting on Thursday.