Kevin Pietersen Ruled Out of New Zealand Test Series with Knee Injury

England batsman Kevin Pietersen has been ruled out of the two-Test series against New Zealand in May with a knee injury.

The Surrey star was forced out of last month's final Test against New Zealand in Auckland because of the injury and it has now been confirmed that he will not be able to feature in the home series which begins on 16 May at Lord's.

The England and Wales Cricket Board confirmed that Pietersen was still recovering from "significant bone bruising to his right knee" and that he would have a scan next week to determine when he can return to full training.

"Injuries are a sportsman's worst nightmare! This one is hurting me the most," tweeted Pietersen.

The 32-year-old had originally complained of a problem with his knee during the warm up match in Queenstown and was forced to spend some time off the field during the first Test which ended in a draw in Denedin.

Pietersen struggled in the first Test as he scored a duck and 12, but he responded well in the second drawn Test in Wellington as he made 73 in his only innings.

England replaced Pietersen with Jonny Bairstow in the third Test in Auckland but the Yorkshire batsman made just three and six in his two innings.

It will be a big blow for England who have an incredible busy summer ahead as they first face New Zealand before taking part in the ICC Champions Trophy which begins in June.

England will hope to welcome Pietersen back to the fold for their group matches against Australia, New Zealand and Sri Lanka as they look to win the tournament on home soil.

Should Pietersen not recover in time for the Champions Trophy then he will need to prove his fitness well before 10 July as this is the first day of the Ashes series against Australia at Trent Bridge.