Pietersen undergoes hernia surgery

Kevin Pietersen has undergone routine surgery to repair the hernia that led to his early departure from England's World Cup campaign, but is expected to be ready for the Sri Lanka Test series which gets underway in late May. Following a period of recuperation, Pietersen will begin a rehabilitation programme with his county Surrey, in conjunction with the England team medical staff.

"Kevin underwent a successful, routine operation with a hernia and an area of weaknesses repaired on the left side while a small hernia was identified and repaired on the right side," said ECB Chief Medical Officer, Dr Nick Peirce.

"Kevin will now undergo a relatively brief period of rest before beginning a rehabilitation programme with Surrey CCC under the guidance of the England team medical staff. His return to first-class cricket will be determined once he commences his rehabilitation programme, but we expect him to be fully fit in time for England's first summer Test starting May 26."

Pietersen's departure from the England squad followed a crucial eight-over bowling spell in the team's six-run victory over South Africa at Chennai last week, but the circumstances were frowned upon by England's coach, Andy Flower, who had hoped such a key player would take a few painkillers and "bite the bullet" to get through the remainder of the tournament.

Nevertheless, Flower accepted that the medical report justified the decision to send him home. "Once Kevin's hernia injury was identified we knew he would require an operation and the surgeon's findings further underline the seriousness of the injury," he said. "We're pleased Kevin has undergone a successful surgery and can shortly begin his rehabilitation programme with a view to rejoining the England team in time for our first Test match of the summer against Sri Lanka."