Pietersen Out Of One Day International Series

Pietersen Out Of One Day International Series

Kevin Pietersen has been ruled out of England's ODI series against the West Indies.

©Action Images / Lee Smith Livepic

England batsman Kevin Pietersen has been ruled out of the three-match One Day International series against the West Indies with an Achilles tendon injury.

The injury, on his right leg, flared up during the second Test against the West Indies at The Riverside and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has decided to withdraw him from the series in order to ensure he is fully fit for the ICC World Twenty20 which begins in June.

"The achilles injury flared up following the 2nd npower Test match in Durham and the best course of treatment is for Kevin to rest throughout the NatWest Series," medical officer Nick Peirce said.

"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 added: :"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."

The ECB has decided not to name a replacement for Pietersen, a decision which offers the likes of Eoin Morgan a chance to impress.

The series begins tomorrow (21st May) at Headingley.

© Cricket World 2009

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