England batsman Kevin Pietersen will play no part in his side's final Test match against New Zealand in Auckland due to a knee injury.
The 32-year-old has been carrying the problem throughout the series, which is currently tied at 0-0 due to weather-affected matches.
While Pietersen has been playing through the injury, the ECB have confirmed that the batsman will be sidelined for six to eight weeks.
A statement said: "Recent scans confirm an injury to the right knee with bone bruising and possible cartilage damage to the kneecap. [Pietersen] will return to the UK for further investigations and specialist review."
The blow has also hampered Pietersen's Indian Premier League commitments.
