Pietersen out of New Zealand series

Kevin Pietersen has been ruled out of England's Investec Test series against New Zealand with a knee injury.

The Surrey batsman is recovering from "significant bone bruising" to his right knee and the England and Wales Cricket Board has confirmed in a statement that he will have a scan next week to determine when he is able to resume training.

England launch a busy summer of cricket with a two-Test series against New Zealand in May.

England will have a clearer idea next week whether Pietersen will be available for their three one-day internationals against New Zealand or the ICC Champions Trophy in June.

England then have two Twenty20 matches against the Black Caps before the climax of the 2013 summer - an Ashes series against Australia, which starts on July 10 at Trent Bridge.

The 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.

"Pietersen will have a repeat scan next week to determine when he is able to resume training."

Pietersen first felt pain in his right knee during England's tour of New Zealand and he flew home before the third Test for further investigation.

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

In response to supportive messages he received on the social networking site, Pietersen wrote he was "trying" to be fit for the Ashes series and that he had his "fingers crossed".