Pietersen had been nursing a problematic right knee prior to the three-match series against the Black Caps this month, and was ultimately sidelined from the deciding third Test, which ended in a draw to complete a nil-nil series deadlock.Flower, whose side were unable to beat a Black Caps unit six positions inferior in the International Cricket Council's Test rankings, expressed pride in the collective effort of wicketkeeper-batsman Matt Prior, batsman Ian Bell and all-rounder Stuart Broad in Auckland. The injury has ruled him out of April's Indian Premier League, and was expected to leave his participation in the Ashes later this year in doubt. Coach Andy Flower, however, was buoyed by the hard-hitting right-hander's ongoing recovery, part of which will see him wear a brace for the next two weeks.The trio's contribution ultimately salvaged a stalemate from a fixture the tourists seemed bound to lose going into day five at Eden Park. Prior orchestrated an unbeaten century, Bell dug in for a dogged 75 and Broad spent all of 137 minutes at the crease for a mere six runs. Kevin has had a further scan, which confirms a bone injury and bone bruising, and he is being put in a brace for two weeks. He will be off exercise, or any impact exercise, after that for another couple of weeks. Then he'll start his rehab," said Flower.
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