Pietersen in fitness struggle for crucial third Ashes Test

ENGLAND face an anxious wait to see whether key batsman Kevin Pietersen will be fit to withstand another battle with Australia in next week’s third Ashes Test.

The historic 115-run victory at Lord’s, their first Ashes win at that venue since 1934, established a 1-0 lead in the series with three Tests remaining, but has potentially come at a high price. Hampshire batsman Pietersen struggled through that Test win with a recurrence of Achilles problems and remains the biggest concern for England as they prepare to select their squad this weekend for the third Test at Edgbaston.

But England will also check on all-rounder Andrew Flintoff, who bowled through the discomfort of a troublesome right knee, while Durham seamer Graham Onions suffered an elbow injury which ruled him out of the attack on the final day at Lord’s.