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Kevin Pietersen has been ruled out of the one-day series against West Indies with a minor right achilles tendon injury. He will be treated over the next week and the ECB are confident he will be able to take part in the ICC World Twenty20.

The injury, which Pietersen has been managing up to now, flared up during the second Test against West Indies at Chester-le-Street, but the only time he spent off the field was a short period on the fourth morning when he was feeling nauseous.

“The injury would not necessarily prevent him from playing,” said Nick Peirce, the ECB chief medical officer. “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 that although disappointed at missing the three ODIs – the first cricket he has sat out for England since he fractured a rib during the 2006-07 CB Series – that it was important he was fully fit for the contests ahead. “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,” he added. “Even though I won’t be lining up for England during this series I’ll be watching and supporting the team closely. 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 the squad which means that Ian Bell and Eoin Morgan will be vying for the vacant batting spot at Headingley.
Source:Cricket News

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