Alec Stewart: 'Kevin Pietersen injury a major blow'

Former England captain Alec Stewart has claimed that Kevin Pietersen's injury for the team's final Test against New Zealand is a "major blow".

The 32-year-old batsman was ruled out of the series decider in Auckland on Wednesday with a knee problem.

"The loss of England batsman Kevin Pietersen to a knee injury for the final Test against New Zealand in Auckland is a major blow," Stewart told BBC Sport.

"Pietersen is England's best player and a proven match-winner who would have relished what has effectively become a one-off "cup final" after the first two Tests were drawn."

England and New Zealand start the final Test of their series at Eden Park on Friday.