Pietersen - I'm devastated to be missing the rest of this series.

A disappointed Pietersen said: “The Ashes are the pinnacle of the game so I’m devastated to be missing the rest of this series.”

“I hate missing matches for England and especially during an Ashes summer. Up until now the Achilles injury has been manageable but it recently reached the point where we needed to look at other options in terms of treatment.”

“I was pleased with the previous course of treatment as it allowed me to take part in this Ashes series but unfortunately the injury has recently deteriorated.

“To leave a winning dressing-room at this time is heartbreaking but it wouldn’t be fair to the team or myself to continue given the severity of the injury.”

“I’ll be supporting the team closely and wish them the best of luck as they look to build on the brilliant win at Lord’s and reclaim the Ashes” he added.

England coach Andy Flower looks set to turn to Ian Bell for next week’s third Test at Edgbaston.