Kevin Pietersen Out Of Ashes With Achilles Surgery, Concerns For Oz

Only a day before, the England team coach/director, Andy Flower, had stated that England could do without Andrew Flintoff and Kevin Pietersen as both men have been injury victims lately. But did Flower know something that he was preparing the public at large for?
Kevin Pietersen underwent surgery in his right Achilles tendon and will require upto six weeks for recovery, throwing his Ashes campaign out of gear but hopefully keep him fit in time for the ICC Champions Trophy in South Africa.
KP had recently spoken out about the extent of his injury and how injections were helping him walk but that he was unable to run. England completed the task started in the first Test at Cardiff, first consolidating their position and next, going for victory as they did in the historic second Test at Lord’s. However, KP underwent scans and tests thereafter that made surgery inevitable keeping his cricket future in mind.
With Flintoff still in assessment, England are already looking to Ian Bell to fill in KP’s slot. Bell, who was displaced by Ravi Bopara, now hopes to make a more resounding comeback.
Shane Watson, in the mean time, could be gearing to bat in the opening position if the Australian team considers Phillip Hughes’ continuing struggles too much of a risk for the third Test at Edgbaston. Watson also happens to be an all rounder and his bowling would certainly come in handy, if he is fit, because of Mitchell Johnson who has had a torrid time, especially at Lord’s. Ian Chappell was critical of the fact that Australia did not have a third opener to fall back on and Hughes’ woes have not helped change his mind. Australia will be hoping that Brett Lee has speed track his recovery and make himself available as well to bolster the bowling attack that has appeared rather jaded in the second Test.

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