Pietersen has struggled to dominate with the bat since returning from injury

Andy Flower has warned England must be patient with Kevin Pietersen as the fit-again batsman struggles for form.

Pietersen has amassed just 52 runs from three innings in the current one-day series against South Africa after four months out with an Achilles injury.

England have managed to move 2-1 ahead, however, and have a chance to seal a series win in Durban on Friday.

Flower said: "We should be patient with him. It's not easy just to walk back in and dominate straight away."

Pietermaritzburg-born Pietersen will be back at what was once his home ground this week as England seek to secure what would be a notable limited-overs victory.

The 29-year-old succumbed to the long-standing injury in July and missed a large part of the Ashes series against Australia.

Since making his comeback, Pietersen has been nowhere near his aggressive best, although England team director Flower insists that is not a cause for concern.

"I wouldn't be too worried. I think he's going to take a little while to get back in form," added Flower.

"Being out for four months - when he's used to playing all the time - I think is a challenge he's going to have to overcome.

"He's a high achiever, an outstanding sportsman - and he will be very impatient to get back into his dominant ways again.

606: DEBATE If Pietersen does not recover his form ahead of the Tests then the selectors have a dilemma Battingforbell

"He will score heavy runs on this tour, and maybe Friday is the day. It could be his day."

Flower also revealed that Jimmy Anderson - England's match winner on Sunday - shrugged off more than a nagging knee injury take a superb 5-23 in Port Elizabeth.

Flower told BBC Sport: "He stubbed a toe in the team room the other day and it's either horribly bruised or broken. I'm not sure which.

"He just clumsily careered into a chair and had to have an anaesthetic on it before he played.

"So he did very well. His knee is improving a lot and he looks to be getting closer to full fitness.

"He's a very skilful bowler. The conditions were slightly helpful but he was accurate and skilful enough to take advantage."

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