Strauss hopes for Pietersen's return for the Ashes

Kevin Pietersen has been ruled out of the New Zealand series and Champions Trophy as he continues his recovery from a knee injury. Jonny Bairstow replaced Kevin Pietersen for the New Zealand series. But the England batsmen were thwarted by an excellent bowling performance from the Black Caps. Cook, Ian Bell, Jonathan Trott and Matt Prior did not make impact with the bat as they struggled against the swing bowling.

England will be hoping that Pietersen recovers in time for the Ashes in July. Andrew Strauss, the former England skipper, has also said that Pietersen’s absence was clearly seen in the first Test. “The vast majority of the time he’s very easy to manage because he works really hard, he’s very professional in the way he goes about his business,” Strauss said.

“And we all know what he brings. As far as I’m concerned he’s the best player I’ve ever played with, in terms of sheer talent, in terms of the ability to take the game away from the opposition – he’s outstanding,” added Strauss, who will join five other ex-England captains in the Sky commentary box for the Ashes.

“But you know what you’re getting with someone like Kevin, obviously. He has got a big ego, and he likes to be the centre of attention and that’s always going to rub some people up the wrong way. But that is one of a challenges of captaincy – bringing a disparate group of people together and making sure they all have a common purpose.”

Strauss added: “I think we’ve seen in this Test how much he (Pietersen) can change the tempo – I think we’re missing him in this game…. It’s important for England he’s fit.”

England have to work hard in the Ashes against Australia. It will be a challenging series for Alastair Cook, as he hasn’t been in best of form with the bat. Andrew Strauss also believes that England have a significant task in hand against Australia’s fast bowlers.

“They have got a really a really good bowling attack – it will be interesting to see how Mitchell Starc goes over here. But the area where they are weakest, you’d say, is their batting. Some of these guys haven’t played much in England before and there are a lot of left-handers in there.

“Graeme Swann will be licking his lips at the possibility of playing these guys on turning wickets. It’s going to be closely contested series – Ashes always are and this one will be no different.”