Kevin Pietersen ruled out of final Test against New Zealand with knee injury

England batsman Kevin Pietersen will play no part in his side's final Test match against New Zealand in Auckland due to a knee injury.

The 32-year-old has been carrying the problem throughout the series, which is currently tied at 0-0 due to weather-affected matches.

While Pietersen has been playing through the injury, the ECB have confirmed that the batsman will be sidelined for six to eight weeks.

A statement said: "Recent scans confirm an injury to the right knee with bone bruising and possible cartilage damage to the kneecap. [Pietersen] will return to the UK for further investigations and specialist review."

The blow has also hampered Pietersen's Indian Premier League commitments.