Australia's tour of Sri Lanka is in disarray with Brett Lee to return home for specialist treatment on his damaged ankle and Michael Kasprowicz sidelined with a shoulder injury.
The decision to send home Lee came just minutes after it was announced Kasprowicz was unable to bowl in the rest of Sri Lanka's first innings in the first cricket Test here because of a sprained shoulder.
A replacement player for Lee was expected to be named later today.
Lee was forced out of the first Test after failing to recover from an ankle injury he sustained during Australia's tour match in Colombo.
After four days rest he trained on Tuesday, bowling eight overs in two bouts before the play and during the lunch break.
This morning, the pain he suffered in Colombo had returned and it was decided he needed specialist treatment back in Sydney.
Lee will see foot and ankle specialist Martin Sullivan, who operated on Lee's ankle last year to remove bone spurs.
The legacy of that operation is the cause of pain Lee's pain, which he described as being "like someone sticking a knife in the back of your ankle".
"Initially I felt pretty good after yesterday's training session but once the pain returned I knew I was in trouble," Lee said this morning.
"I'm really disappointed because I thought I might be on the improve.
"I guess it's now back to square one to try to rectify the problem once and for all.
"It's tough, it's life I guess, and I need to be as positive as possible to get back playing as soon as I can."
Australian team physiotherapist Alex Kountouri said the pain, caused by inflammation at the back of the ankle, needed specialist treatment.
"We felt it was prudent to get him seen to by doctors in Australia rather than remain on tour where it's apparent his condition is not improving."
Meanwhile, Kasprowicz sprained his shoulder while diving to try to stop a boundary late on the second day of the Test.
He woke up this morning feeling sore and stiff and has been ruled out for at least the rest of Sri Lanka's innings.
The home side was set to resume at 6-352 on the third day, with Australia down to just one pace bowler in Jason Gillespie.
Kasprowicz will be monitored by team medical staff but it's uncertain at this stage if he will be fit enough to bowl in Sri Lanka's second innings.