England have declared that Kevin Pietersen is fit to play in their final warm-up match prior to the start of the winter Ashes series next week.
There were fears over the fitness of the 33-year-old as to whether or not he would miss the Three Lions' preparation fixture due to a persistent knee injury.
However, a number of Pietersen's teammates have moved to quell any lingering worries over the condition of the batsman and bowler Matt Prior ahead of their match against an Invitational XI on Wednesday.
"I think Kevin's going to be fit for the game on Wednesday, which is good news," James Anderson told reporters. "And Matt, I think it was a precaution he didn't keep in the last game, and we've got our fingers crossed he'll be fit for the first Test."
Graeme Swann added: "Kevin is fit to play this week and speaking to Matt last night it was more a precautionary thing that he did not keep wicket on the last day in Hobart.
"They are big players for us so I'm sure they'll be fit and firing. But if they are injured we have some exceptional replacements lined up ready to take their places."
Pietersen himself took to Twitter to announce his situation: "I AM FINE #relax"
The first Ashes Test gets underway next week in Brisbane.
Matt Cotton
