England batsman Kevin Pietersen has been ruled out of the Ashes series after undergoing surgery for an ongoing Achilles tendon injury.
Pietersen was assessed by a leading specialist where the decision was made to undergo surgery which will rule him out of all cricket for six weeks. ECB Chief Medical Officer, Nick Peirce, said in a statement: “Following a consultation, involving scans and testing, with the world’s leading Achilles specialist, Kevin Pietersen underwent surgery on his right Achilles tendon. “The operation involved a small incision and trimming of the blood vessels and nerves around the inflamed tendon and appears, at this early stage, to have been routine. “Kevin will look to undertake a comprehensive rehabilitation program to ensure there is no risk of recurrence. This is expected to be approximately six weeks but will be taken at an appropriate pace following constant review. Pietersen himself added: “As an England cricketer the Ashes are the pinnacle of the game so I’m absolutely devastated to be missing the rest of this series. “Up until now the Achilles injury has been manageable but it recently reached the point where we needed to look at other options in terms of treatment.
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“I hate missing matches for England and especially during an Ashes summer but now that the decision has been made to undergo surgery I’m confident I can return to the England team injury-free following a course of rehabilitation. “I was pleased with the previous course of treatment as it allowed me to take part in this Ashes series but unfortunately the injury has recently deteriorated further. “To leave a winning dressing room at this time is heart breaking but it wouldn’t be fair to the team or myself to continue given the severity of the injury.
“I’ll be supporting the team closely and wish them the best of luck as they look to build on the brilliant win at Lord’s and reclaim the Ashes.” England currently lead the five-Test series 1-0 after winning the second Test at Lord’s. The first Test in Cardiff ended as a draw.
