Pietersen will want a happier summer after injury curtailed his World Cup

Kevin Pietersen is expected to be fit for the first Test against Sri Lanka in May after successful hernia surgery.

The 30-year-old England and Surrey batsman was forced to leave the World Cup after struggling in the field during the victory over South Africa.

"We're pleased Kevin has undergone a successful surgery and can shortly begin his rehabilitation programme," said England head coach Andy Flower.

Pietersen was replaced in the World Cup squad by Middlesex batsman Eoin Morgan.

He had hoped to play on through the pain but team management eventually decided it was better to send him home, return home early a decision Pietersen said left him "devastated".

Flower added: "Once Kevin's hernia injury was identified we knew he would require an operation and the surgeon's findings further underline the seriousness of the injury."

Pietersen underwent the operation on Tuesday, which England and Wales Cricket Board chief medical officer Dr Nick Peirce described as "successful" and "routine".

He said: "an area of weakness" on the left side had been repaired and a "small hernia was identified and repaired on the right side".

Battling England edge past South Africa in the World Cup last weekend

Dr Pierece added: "His return to first-class cricket will be determined once he commences his rehabilitation programme but we expect him to be fully fit in time for England's first summer Test starting 26 May."

The hernia problem was initially discovered after an MRI scan following Pietersen's return to England after the post-Ashes one-day series in Australia, which the home side won 6-1.

Before England's game against South Africa on 6 March, Pietersen had shown signs of returning to the form that resulted in him equalling the record as the fastest player to reach 1,000 one-day runs, scoring 129 runs in England's first three World Cup games.

He will now rest at home before beginning a period of rehabilitation with his county side Surrey.

The injury has also forced Pietersen to miss out on next month's Indian Premier League tournament, in which he was due to play for the Deccan Chargers.

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