Pietersen absence is simply a ‘precaution’, insist medics
ENGLAND medics insist there is no need for concern over Kevin Pietersen’s Achilles injury, which has ruled him out of the one-day series with the West Indies.
The Hampshire batsman has been ordered to rest after suffering a recurrence of the injury during the second Test victory at Durham last week.
But any suggestion that Pietersen may be forced to sit out the Twenty20 World Cup or even the Ashes series were quickly dismissed by England’s medical team yesterday, who insisted the 28-year-old was sitting out as a precaution ahead of today’s first one-dayer at Headingley.
Chief medical officer Nick Peirce explained: “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.”
Pietersen added: “I’m extremely disappointed to be missing out as I was looking forward to playing a significant part in what should be an exciting and closely-fought series.
“But 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.”
Outcast Ian Bell and uncapped Middlesex batsman Eion Morgan are battling in out to replace Pietersen for a starting place.