England turn to Eoin Morgan after 'devastated' Kevin Pietersen heads home from World Cup with hernia problem

By Sportsmail Reporter
Updated: 19:23 EST, 7 March 2011

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England batsman Kevin Pietersen said he was 'absolutely devastated' to be returning home from the World Cup after finally succumbing to a hernia problem.

The ECB confirmed Pietersen would fly back the UK in the next 24 hours due to the injury which was first discovered during the recent one-day series in Australia.

The International Cricket Council have approved England's request to replace Pietersen with Eoin Morgan in their World Cup squad. Morgan was originally named in England's World Cup squad but missed out after suffering a broken finger in the build-up to the tournament.

Last time out: Kevin Pietersen's World Cup ended with just two runs against South Africa

Morgan has responded well to treatment, however, and even if he is not deemed fit enough to face Bangladesh later this week, he would be a key addition to the squad for the knockout stage should England qualify.

News that Pietersen's World Cup was over emerged this morning while the England squad were en route from India to Bangladesh for their next match on Friday.

It had already been confirmed that Pietersen would undergo hernia surgery after the World Cup, but he appeared laboured in the field during Sunday's six-run win against South Africa.

England's management have now acted to avoid further aggravation of the problem that has also ruled Pietersen out of the Indian Premier League, which he was due to contest with the Deccan Chargers.

Blow: Pietersen is heading home

Pietersen, who will be out for around six weeks when he undergoes the surgery, said on his Twitter page: 'Confirming the BREAKING NEWS ... I fly home tonight. Out of the WC & IPL.. Absolutely devastated!

'Sad to leave India.. Love the people & the hospitality!'

It had been hoped England's medical staff would be able to nurse Pietersen through the remainder of the World Cup.

Speaking on Saturday, Pietersen said: 'I'm obviously extremely disappointed to have picked up this hernia injury.

'It will no doubt impact my preparation but careful management should see me still play a significant role in the team's campaign.'

But Pietersen complained of soreness after bowling eight overs in the victory against South Africa, while his performance with the bat in Chennai gleaned just two runs.

England team director Andy Flower believes the team are already moving on despite the hernia problem sustained by Pietersen. Flower acknowledged however that England were losing a major player.

'He's a world class player,' Flower told Sky Sports News. 'I thought he was forming an interesting opening partnership with Andrew Strauss. In three of the four games they've played together they have looked good up front and they put on significant partnerships that have kicked off good batting performances.'

England coach Flower insisted that the ability to call on a player of Morgan's quality in place of Pietersen means the team can move forward.

'We're moving on now and Eoin Morgan is an exciting cricketer. It's going to be good to have him back.'