England Ashes injury scare as Pietersen sent for a knee jab
ENGLAND are hopeful Kevin Pietersen will be fit to play in this week’s final Ashes warm-up match after the batsman was sent for an injection yesterday on his knee.
While the squad jetted to Sydney, where they are set to face New South Wales on Wednesday, Pietersen flew to Melbourne to see a specialist, having suffered pain in last week’s draw with Australia A.
The 33-year-old, who missed three months with a knee injury this year, had a cortisone injection and later rejoined the England team, when he wrote on Twitter: “I am fine”.
Wicketkeeper-batsman and vice captain Matt Prior went for a scan on a calf problem but could also feature in this week’s four-day game – England’s last before the Ashes begins a week on Thursday in Brisbane.
Fast-bowler James Anderson said: “I think Kevin is going to be fit for the game on Wednesday, which is good news. And Matt, I think it was a precaution he didn’t keep in the last game, and we’ve got our fingers crossed he’ll be fit for the first Test.”
England have had just five days’ playing time since arriving in Australia last month. Two of the scheduled four days against Australia A had to be abandoned due to rain.