In England's final Test against New Zealand, Kevin Pietersen will not be seen as the England batsman has been ruled out for next six to seven weeks because of knee injury.

Pieterson has joined bowlers; spinner Graeme Swann and seamer Tim Bresnan as a long-term absentee after the pair both had undergone surgery for elbow injuries.

The 32-year-old will not play the match. He is also expected to stay out from next month's Indian Premier League (IPL) where he was supposed to play with Delhi Daredevils. The IPL is scheduled to start on 3 April.

The Surrey player was reported to have knee pain while fielding in the warm-up match in Queenstown at the start of the month. The problem perpetuated because of which he had to spent time off the field in the first test of Dunedin.

After this he was taken for medical check where his knee was scanned. The reports confirmed an injury to the knee, with bone bruising and possible cartilage damage to the kneecap.

Pietersen will now return to the UK for further tests and has been asked to accompany medical examination with rest. Experts say that he will have to take an off from the field for at least six weeks.