England dealt Pietersen blow – Cricket News Update
England have been dealt a blow following the news that star batsman, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/KP-Pietersen-c1806, will not be available for the Champions Trophy, scheduled to kick-off from the first week of June.
Pietersen has been on the treatment table since injuring himself during last month’s trip to New Zealand. Despite sustaining a knock during a warm-up game, he played in the opening two matches before missing the third after it was confirmed that he had suffered bruising to his right knee.
The selectors then revealed that Pietersen will not be considered for the start of the current home season - Poms entertain the Black Caps in the return series - in a bid to fully recover ahead of the Champions Trophy and the much awaited Ashes battle against the Aussies.
However, in a statement, the ECB confirmed that the 31-year-old will now miss the Champions Trophy as well, with the aim of getting fit in time for the Ashes bout.
"Kevin Pietersen has been ruled out of the http://www.senore.com/Cricket/New-Zealand-c754 beginning May 31 and the Champions Trophy which follows. Pietersen will now start a graduated rehabilitation program with a view to resuming full training by the middle of June."
The knee injury had also forced him to miss the entire sixth edition of the ongoing Indian Premier League, where he represents http://www.senore.com/Cricket/MJ-Lumb-c1981 Root and Jonny Bairstow to stake a claim in the national side.
England will play their first game of the Champions Trophy on June 8, with the tournament’s final taking place on June 23. The first Test of the Ashes tour kicks-off from July 10th, with http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Surrey-c851’s County Championship campaign.
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