Kevin Pietersen and Graeme Swann may be ruled out of the Black Caps visit with injuries.
As England prepare for a bumper summer of cricket they still wait nervously on the fitness of key players Kevin Pietersen and Graeme Swann – with both men a doubt for the New Zealand series starting in May.
Swann has not played for England since the winter tour of India after the spinner had to fly to the US for an operation on a persistent elbow injury.
Pietersen meanwhile was sent home from New Zealand in March after suffering with a problem to his right knee, meaning he missed the final Test against the Black Caps in a series that the Three Lions drew.
Despite national selector Geoff Miller giving some positive news about the duo just two days ago, he has since voiced his concerns for the visit of the Kiwis.
“Swann maybe. KP, we’ll monitor that,” Miller was quoted in the Telegraph.
“It is not a pleasant injury, something behind the knee cap, and he is in a brace. We’ll discuss about him for New Zealand and we will make the right decision when it comes to the crunch.”
Whilst it seems the selector is more confident about Swann than Pietersen, there is every chance neither will play against the New Zealanders, leaving England’s side weakened once again.
Miller was more positive about the pair featuring in the Champions Trophy however, with the last ever version of the tournament starting in Cardiff in June.
In the event that Pietersen and Swann do miss out against the Black Caps, the selectors have been traveling to the opening matches of the new County Championship season to keep an eye out for their replacements.
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