World Cup blow for Pietersen
KP to return home for surgery
By Tony Curtis. Last Updated: March 7, 2011 1:34pm
Pietersen: Injury setback
Kevin Pietersen's World Cup has been brought to a premature end after it was confirmed he would be flying home for surgery on his hernia.
England have been given permission by the ICC for Eoin Morgan to replace Pietersen, who had been promoted to opener for the tournament.
England had hoped they would be able to manage Pietersen's hernia problem during the tournament, allowing him to have an operation when the team returned home.
However Pietersen was clearly struggling in the thrilling victory over South Africa - with the medical team ruling that he would need surgery now to avoid further complications.
Pietersen, who will now also miss the IPL, wrote on his Twitter page: "Sad to leave India. Love the people & the hospitality!"
Morgan, who was initially ruled out the tournament with a broken finger, will now come into the squad after the ICC gave the green light to the replacement.
Kevin Pietersen
Eoin Morgan
