Pietersen averages nearly 50 with the bat in one-day internationals
England have suffered a huge blow ahead of their one-day series against West Indies with the news Kevin Pietersen will miss out with an Achilles injury.
The problem has been an ongoing one for the 28-year-old and it flared up again during England's second Test victory over the Windies in Durham last week.
However, Pietersen is expected to be fit to play in the World Twenty20, which starts on 5 June at Lord's.
"I hate missing out but the medical advice is to rest the injury," he said.
"I'm extremely disappointed to be missing out as I was looking forward to playing a significant part in what should be an exciting and closely-fought series.
"(But) 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'm looking forward to being back in the England line-up for the World Twenty20 and the rest of an exciting summer of cricket."
Pietersen's absence will be keenly felt by England, who are looking to follow up their impressive 2-0 Test series victory with more success against Chris Gayle's Windies side.
The Hampshire batsman averages 46.67 from 92 one-day internationals, scoring seven hundreds, but his injury could provide an opportunity for the likes of Ian Bell or Eoin Morgan to force their way into the starting XI, with England opting not to call up a replacement to their squad.
And the rest period should ensure Pietersen is fully fit, not only for the World Twenty20, but also the Ashes series against Australia this summer.
England and Wales cricket board chief medical officer Nick Peirce explained: "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."
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