England's Pietersen ruled out of Champions Trophy

LONDON (Reuters) - England batsman Kevin Pietersen will not be ready for the one-day series with New Zealand and June's Champions Trophy after a further scan on his injured knee on Wednesday, fuelling speculation he could be an Ashes doubt.

"Kevin Pietersen has been ruled out of the ICC Champions Trophy following a repeat MRI scan on his right knee earlier today," the England and Wales Cricket Board said in a statement, adding he would also skip the New Zealand one-dayers which precede the tournament.

The 32-year-old had already been told he would miss the two-match test series against New Zealand next month because of the injury.

He suffered the knee problem during fielding practice in the away series in New Zealand last month and was unable to play in the third and final test.

The home five-test Ashes series against Australia starts in Nottingham on July 10 with the Champions Trophy one-day tournament taking place from June 6-23, also in England.

Pietersen remains England's most explosive batsman and any sign he will miss all or part of the Ashes offers encouragement to Australia, who named their squad earlier on Wednesday and are seen as underdogs after losing the last two series.

"Pietersen will now start a graduated rehabilitation programme with a view to resuming full training by the middle of June," the ECB statement added.

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Cricket-Pietersen ruled out of New Zealand series

Apr 15 (Reuters) - Leading money winners on the 2013 PGATour on Monday (U.S. unless stated): 1. Tiger Woods $4,139,600 2. Brandt Snedeker $3,137,920 3. Matt Kuchar $2,442,389 4. Adam Scott (Australia) $2,100,469 5. Steve Stricker $1,935,340 6. Phil Mickelson $1,764,680 7. Dustin Johnson $1,748,907 8. Jason Day $1,659,565 9. Hunter Mahan $1,553,965 10. Keegan Bradley $1,430,347 11. Charles Howell III $1,393,806 12. John Merrick $1,375,757 13. Russell Henley $1,331,434 14. Michael Thompson $1,310,709 15. Kevin Streelman $1,310,343 16. Bill Haas $1,271,553 17. Billy Horschel $1,254,224 18. ...

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Pietersen ruled out of New Zealand series

Apr 15 (Reuters) - Leading money winners on the 2013 PGATour on Monday (U.S. unless stated): 1. Tiger Woods $4,139,600 2. Brandt Snedeker $3,137,920 3. Matt Kuchar $2,442,389 4. Adam Scott (Australia) $2,100,469 5. Steve Stricker $1,935,340 6. Phil Mickelson $1,764,680 7. Dustin Johnson $1,748,907 8. Jason Day $1,659,565 9. Hunter Mahan $1,553,965 10. Keegan Bradley $1,430,347 11. Charles Howell III $1,393,806 12. John Merrick $1,375,757 13. Russell Henley $1,331,434 14. Michael Thompson $1,310,709 15. Kevin Streelman $1,310,343 16. Bill Haas $1,271,553 17. Billy Horschel $1,254,224 18. ...

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Cricket-England's Pietersen ruled out of third test against NZ

LONDON, March 20 (Reuters) - England batsman Kevin Pietersen has been ruled out of the decisive third test against New Zealand starting on Friday because of a knee injury, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said on Wednesday.

Pietersen injured his right knee earlier this month while taking part in fielding practice and scans have revealed bone bruising and possible cartilage damage.

"The injury is likely to require ongoing assessments and a likely 6-8 week period of rest and rehabilitation," the ECB said in a statement.

"Pietersen has therefore been withdrawn from all cricket including the Indian Premier League."

The first two tests in New Zealand, both of which Pietersen played in, ended in draws. (Reporting by Martyn Herman, editing by Amlan Chakraborty)

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England's Pietersen ruled out of third test against NZ

LONDON (Reuters) - England batsman Kevin Pietersen has been ruled out of the decisive third test against New Zealand starting on Friday because of a knee injury, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said on Wednesday.

Pietersen injured his right knee earlier this month while taking part in fielding practice and scans have revealed bone bruising and possible cartilage damage.

"The injury is likely to require ongoing assessments and a likely 6-8 week period of rest and rehabilitation," the ECB said in a statement.

"Pietersen has therefore been withdrawn from all cricket including the Indian Premier League."

The first two tests in New Zealand, both of which Pietersen played in, ended in draws.

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Cricket-Bracewell ruled out of test after standing on glass

DUNEDIN, New Zealand, March 5 (Reuters) - Pace bowler Doug Bracewell has been ruled out of New Zealand's first test against England after cutting his right foot on glass while cleaning up after a party at his house.

The 22-year-old had been expected to have a fitness test on Tuesday, with the first test of three starting on Wednesday, but coach Mike Hesson told reporters at University Oval that he was still unable to put any weight on the foot.

"The physio before we came to training said he was no chance of playing so we've removed him from the 12," Hesson said. "He'll stay with us during the week and hopefully be ready in time for the second test."

Neil Wagner is likely to slot into the side in the third pace bowler role. Ian Butler, who was brought in as cover in case Bracewell failed to recover, and left arm spinner Bruce Martin would contest the final place in the starting side.

Bracewell sustained the injury while cleaning up his house in Napier after a party on Friday when some friends came over to watch Super Rugby matches.

New Zealand Cricket were forced to address the issue after local media reports said neighbours had complained about excessive noise at Bracewell's house last Thursday when the player was out of town.

"We've told Doug that he needs to take responsibility for what happens around him and that he needs to do all he can to ensure his preparation for international cricket is not compromised," team manager Mike Sandle said in a statement.

"Doug is very sorry for any inconvenience he has caused his team-mates and members of the public, and he has apologised to his neighbour in Napier."

Captain Brendon McCullum said he felt the incident had been blown out of proportion.

"It was an accident, and that's unfortunate, because it's rubbed him out of a (test) which he was determined to be at his best for," McCullum said.

"It's disappointing from his point of view, but I stress that I think he'll be back for the second test and I also stress it gives Neil Wagner an opportunity."

Hesson emphasised that Bracewell was unavailable due to the injury and had not been dropped for disciplinary issues.

"Doug was away from the team and ... there's not a lot we can do when he's away from the side," Hesson added.

"The expectation is that what they do certainly doesn't conflict or affect their preparation and we're pretty strong on that.

"(But) in terms of this test match he's got a hole in his foot caused by standing on some glass and that's a big loss (and) really disappointing for Doug and the team because he's a crucial part of our seam attack."

(Editing by Ian Ransom)

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