Kevin Pietersen ruled out of England's series with New Zealand
ENGLAND have been given an untimely blow with the news that Kevin Pietersen will miss the forthcoming series against New Zealand.
The flamboyant batsman has been ruled out with a knee injury that will see him miss the test and ODI series on home soil.
The 32-year-old sat out last month's final Test against the Black Caps in Auckland due to injury.
Bairstow replaced him but didn't make an impression with the bat, scoring 6 and 33 respectively in his two innings.
Pietersen took to social networking site Twitter to break the news, tweeting: "Injuries are a sportsman's worst nightmare! This one is hurting me the most."
England have a packed summer schedule with the defence of their Ashes beginning on July 10, however it is believed that Pietersen could return to action in time for the Champions Trophy.
An ECB statement read: "England and Surrey batsman Kevin Pietersen has been ruled out of the upcoming Investec Test series against New Zealand as he continues his recovery from significant bone bruising to his right knee."