Pietersen ruled out of Champions Trophy

England’s star batsman Kevin Pietersen has been ruled out of the Champions Trophy as he continues his recovery from knee injury. Pietersen was expected to be back for the Champions Trophy, but will not be available for the tournament and will resume his training by mid-June.

Pietersen did not play the third Test in New Zealand as he was suffering from an injury to his right knee. The ECB have also confirmed that he will not be considered for the home series against New Zealand that starts on May 16.

An ECB statement read: “Kevin Pietersen has been ruled out of the ICC Champions Trophy following a repeat MRI scan on his right knee earlier today. The scan has shown some improvement in the bruising to the bone that occurred in the build up to the Test Series against New Zealand in February. However Pietersen will not have recovered sufficiently in time for the NatWest one-day series against New Zealand 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.”

Pietersen’s absence means that England will be heavily reliant on their top order to provide a flying start as their middle order is relatively inexperienced. Cook, Trott and Bell are the in-form batsman for England at the top of the order, while Morgan holds the key in the middle order. But they have a promising bowling attack that can pose threats to some of the world’s greatest batsman on display, and that will be the only ingredient which will keep England alive in the Champions Trophy. England start their Champions Trophy campaign against Australia on June 8.

Pietersen will play for Surrey against Yorkshire on June 30 and England will have a four-day game against Essex prior to the Ashes that starts on June 10 at Trent Bridge.