Infection keeps Pietersen out of ODI series against Australia

Sydney, Aug 13 (ANI): England's star batsman Kevin Pietersen will miss the entire one-day series against Australia, after he suffered an infection of the scar tissue following an operation to the Achilles that was injured during the second Test at Lord's.

The England cricket board's medical team issued a statement on Pietersen's health condition on Wednesday.

"Kevin Pietersen will be discharged from hospital tomorrow after experiencing a complication of the wound made during surgery on his injured right Achilles. He was seen by a wound-care specialist yesterday and will receive a course of antibiotics in order to exclude infection," the statement said.

"Medical advice is that a complication can occur post-surgery and in this case resulted, despite Kevin closely following specialist advice on management of the wound. He will be reassessed by the specialist later this week and will return to his planned program of rehabilitation once the wound has fully healed," it added.

Meanwhile, England has also ruled out inviting Marcus Trescothick back into the fold for the decider, but will consider 39-year-old Mark Ramprakash, who is enjoying a good county season and has a healthy average against Australia of 42.40.

England's No.3 Ravi Bopara is under pressure to retain his spot following four matches without a big total, although there are suggestions he could move down the order, the Sydney Morning Herald reported.

Kent's Rob Key is another strong possibility at No.3, averaging just more than 86 in his past seven first-class innings, which includes three centuries. (ANI)