Brett Lee Broke Piers Morgan's Ribs During Fast Bowling Stunt in Melbourne

CNN presenter Piers Morgan, 48, stepped into the nets to face 90mph pace bowler Brett Lee during the Boxing Day Ashes Test in Melbourne—and the upshot was that Morgan had his ribs broken.

Morgan tweeted a picture of an X-Ray confirming the break:

"

BREAKING (literally!) NEWS: Fractured rib confirmed by X-ray...thanks again @BrettLee_58 > pic.twitter.com/A6gwBjlAgv

— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) December 31, 2013"

The event only came about after a Twitter exchange about England's mettle facing short deliveries quickly escalated. Morgan questioned England's courage as their grip on the Ashes slipped rapidly and Lee volunteered to show him how terrifying his extreme pace can be.

As you can see from the footage, Morgan survived an over from Lee when the pair faced off but found himself backing away and struggling to put bat anywhere near ball.

After the stunt, there were some questioning how appropriate it was that it had ever taken place. One writer, Peter Miller, accused the exchange as being self-serving for Morgan and embarrassing all round.

The news that Morgan has broken his ribs will only add fuel to that particular fire.

For his part, Morgan seems quite happy to show off his badge of honour from the confrontation.