Ashes blow for England as Pietersen is ruled out
ENGLAND’S sky-high hopes of reclaiming the Ashes plummeted yesterday when star batsman Kevin Pietersen was ruled out of the rest of the series.
The decision came after the Hampshire player underwent surgery on a long-standing Achilles injury that deteriorated during the first two Tests against Australia.
Pietersen, who will be sidelined for six weeks, had the operation immediately after seeking advice from a leading specialist yesterday.
His absence comes as a major blow to England, who were in buoyant mood after taking a 1-0 lead in the series with victory in the second Test at Lord’s on Monday.
“As an England cricketer the Ashes are the pinnacle of the game so I’m absolutely devastated to be missing the rest of this series,” said Pietersen.
“Up until now the Achilles injury has been manageable but it recently reached the point where we needed to look at other options in terms of treatment. To leave a winning dressing room at this time is heartbreaking but it wouldn’t be fair to the team or myself to continue given the severity of the injury.”
All-rounder Andrew Flintoff, who is also a major injury doubt for the rest of the Ashes, admitted the news on Pietersen was a huge setback.
“Kevin is a massively influential player for our team. He is our best player so it is going to make it that little bit tougher for us,” said Flintoff.
Warwickshire’s Ian Bell is the favourite to replace Pietersen at No4 in the batting order, although Middlesex’s Owais Shah could also be in the frame. England selectors are due to name their squad for next week’s third Test at the weekend.
Pietersen, who has also been suffering from a back problem, first experienced the Achilles problem earlier this year. In May he was forced to miss the one-day series against West Indies but had hoped a regime of rest and cortisone injections would enable him to play a full part in the Ashes.
The South Africa-born player featured in the drawn first Test in Cardiff and then the historic triumph at Lord’s – England’s first against Australia at the home of cricket for 75 years. But the injury hampered his normally cavalier approach and Pietersen admitted it was only getting worse. “Unfortunately the injury has recently deteriorated,” he added. “But now I’m confident I can return injury-free following a course of rehabilitation.”
Seamer James Anderson, meanwhile, is optimistic Flintoff’s knee will not prevent him from playing in the third Test. He said: “We have got a week’s rest now so hopefully he can put his feet up and be fit for a week on Thursday.”