Pietersen sits out NatWest Series

20 May 2009

Kevin Pietersen has been advised to rest in the expectation that he will be fit for the World Twenty20 and the Ashes

Kevin Pietersen has been withdrawn from England’s NatWest Series squad due to a minor right Achilles injury.

Pietersen will undertake a period of rest and treatment during the NatWest Series ahead of England’s World Twenty20 campaign.

Nick Peirce, ECB chief medical officer, said: “The Achilles injury flared up following the second npower Test match in Durham and the best course of treatment is for Kevin to rest throughout the NatWest Series.

“The injury would not necessarily prevent him from playing but by giving him a precautionary period of time out to receive some concentrated treatment and rest we are enabling the niggle to settle down in preparation of the ICC World Twenty20 and the Ashes.

"This is not an injury that would preclude him from participating in either event.

Pietersen said: “I’m extremely disappointed to be missing the NatWest Series as I was looking forward to playing a significant part in what should be an exciting and closely-fought one-day series.

“The medical advice is to rest the Achilles and, although I’m frustrated to be leaving a happy and successful dressing room, I’m absolutely confident this will help me overcome what has up until now been a minor ongoing injury.

“I hate missing out on playing for England but understand that in this instance it’s necessary in order to overcome the injury.

"Even though I won’t be lining up for England during this series I’ll be watching and supporting the team closely as they set about repeating the recent one-day series win in the Caribbean.

“I’m looking forward to being back in the England line up for the World Twenty20 and the rest of an exciting summer of cricket.”

England have not called up a replacement to its NatWest Series squad.