With the England team preparing for the rigours of a gruelling five Tests against Australia over the next couple of months, Kevin Pietersen’s problematic knee injury has rightly added some concern among the tourists ranks. While many Betfair punters have tipped Pietersen to be one of the leading run-scorers in this Ashes series, it remains to be seen whether or not the batsman is capable of playing in all five Tests.
Pietersen’s knee problems forced him to miss three months of competitive cricket earlier in the year, including the final Test of England’s drawn series in New Zealand and the Indian Premier League. The injury dragged into the early stages of the English summer before the 33-year old returned to action in time to help his side to a comprehensive 3-0 Ashes victory against the Aussies.
England head coach Andy Flower has played down fears Pietersen could be a doubt for the opening Test of this Ashes series in Brisbane, but there is a feeling the batsman could struggle to play all five games of the series.
“I don’t think it’s going to be a huge issue. He’s had a couple of these injections before, and they’ve been successful. They’ve quietened the problem down, and it’s obviously an ongoing issue for him. We anticipate him playing a full part in the Ashes tour,” said the England head coach.
While the cricket betting points towards England retaining the famous urn and making it four successive Ashes series victories, that might be a different story if Pietersen fails to shake off his latest knee problem. Those brave Betfair punters who have backed England to win this series 5-0 will certainly be hoping Pietersen is able to play a full and important role in this Ashes series.
