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England optimistic of Kevin Pietersen playing third Test

01 August,2013 12:38 AM IST |   |  AFP

England are optimistic Kevin Pietersen will be fit to play in the third Ashes Test against Australia at Manchester's Old Trafford ground starting today Pietersen suffered a left calf injury during England's crushing 347-run win in the second Test at Lord's, which put the Ashes-holders 2-0 up in the five-match series with three to play.


Since then the 33-year-old Pietersen, arguably England's most talented batsman, has undergone an intensive programme to regain full fitness.


Kevin Pietersen bats in Old Trafford's indoor nets yesterday. Pic/AFP

"(He is) pretty good. He's come through training the past two days and done everything that's been asked of him," Cook said.

"Clearly we have to make a decision tomorrow (Thursday) morning just in case he pulls up different to that, but we'll see and we're pretty hopeful."

South Africa-born Pietersen batted for 15 minutes on Wednesday as bad weather saw England train in Old Trafford's indoor nets.

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England optimistic Kevin Pietersen playing third Test