Australia have given Brett Lee until the day before the team leaves for the World Cup to prove his fitness.

Scans on Lee's damaged ankle have been postponed until Tuesday to give the paceman a better chance of making the squad.

Lee's absence would further hurt Australia's chances of winning a third consecutive World Cup as they also have worries over Andrew Symonds, Matthew Hayden, Michael Clarke and Ricky Ponting.

Lee missed all three games against New Zealand in the recent Chappell-Hadlee series, which Australia lost 3-0.

The attack of Mitchell Johnson, Shane Watson, Brad Hogg, Glenn McGrath and Shaun Tait were unable to stop the Kiwis as they chased down a record-breaking 346 in the last game of the series.

Former Australian Test bowler Geoff Lawson touted Stuart Clark as the best option to replace Lee if necessary.

''If Stuart Clark had played in New Zealand the chances are we would have won all three games,'' said Lawson.

''He knows where every ball is going, he is a guy who understands his tactics and he is a leader in that side.

''He's a mature guy, he's over 30, he's got a great cricket brain.

''He's the kind of guy they need out on the park to help in a crisis. It's not just his bowling that is beneficial, it's his cricket knowledge.

''There was not enough focus on each delivery when it went down and where it had to go,'' Lawson added.

''As a bowler you've got 60 balls to bowl and every one deserves your utmost attention. I just didn't think that was happening.''

Lawson also said bowling coach Troy Cooley should have joined the squad in New Zealand to help with tactical decision-making.

''There were lots of bouncers and slower balls but not enough yorkers,'' Lawson said.

''You bowl four more yorkers in the second game and three more in the third game and you win both games."