Pietersen says he may not play all Ashes Tests

LONDON - England batsman Kevin Pietersen, who has been struggling with an achilles injury, might not play in all the Ashes Tests this summer.

The star batsman said the problem could recur at any time.

“I’m taking the best medical advice and I’m doing everything I can to face Australia but, occasionally, achilles injuries do flare up,” Pietersen was quoted as saying in the Guardian.

“If that happens on the morning of a Test then I wouldn’t be able to take part.”

Pietersen was ruled out of England’s World Twenty20 defeat by Holland but has played in England’s subsequent matches in the tournament. The injury is related to a nerve problem in his back.

“I can promise you I am doing everything in my power to make sure I am ok,” he said.

“I’ve got one more injection I can have before I’m not allowed any more. That would be a cortisone epidural into the spinal cord.

“There is still pain in the heel but I’m doing the right thing to try to eliminate as much pain as I can.

“In order to fix an achilles injury like this properly I probably do need two or three months out of the game. Unfortunately, that’s not going to happen. I’m a man who wants to play every game for England and as much as I can. As long as I can walk I will play.”