KEVIN PIETERSEN will miss the NatWest one-day series against West Indies through injury but insists he will be fit for the summer’s big events.

The England batsman, 28, sits out the three matches, starting at Headingley today, with an Achilles injury, which the team’s medical staff described as a precautionary measure.

With the side’s other highprofile player Andrew Flintoff also sidelined through injury, however, it is an unwelcome scare less than a fortnight before preparation for the World Twenty20 begins – and seven weeks away from the Ashes.

‘‘Although I’m frustrated to be leaving a happy and successful dressing room I’m absolutely confident this will help me overcome what has up until now been a minor ongoing injury,’’ said Pietersen, who incurred the problem in the crushing innings Test victory over West Indies at Chester-le-Street.

‘‘I hate missing out on playing for England but understand that in this instance it’s necessary.

‘‘Even though I won’t be lining up for England during this series I’ll be watching and supporting the team closely as they set about repeating the recent one-day series win in the Caribbean.

‘‘I’m looking forward to being back in the England line up for the World Twenty20 and the rest of an exciting summer of cricket.’’ Pietersen has barely had a break since heading out to the Caribbean in late January; his 11-week tour quickly followed by a stint at the Indian Premier League.

‘‘The injury would not necessarily prevent him from playing but by giving him a precautionary period of time out to receive some concentrated treatment and rest we are enabling the niggle to settle down in preparation of the ICC World Twenty20 and the Ashes,’’ said England’s chief medical officer Nick Peirce.

‘‘This is not an injury that would preclude him from participating in either event.’’ England opted not to replace Pietersen in their oneday party, which increases the chances of Irishman Eoin Morgan adding to his 23 oneday international caps.

The 22-year-old is vying with Ian Bell for the spare batting slot, having qualified for England last month after signing off his Ireland career with 84 to defeat Canada.

Meanwhile, all-rounder Paul Collingwood will become the first player in the history of NatWest series internationals to earn 50 caps in today’s opener.