The South African-born batsman was to return to Britain on Tuesday night and has been advised to rest for at least a month. He should be fit for England's tour of India, from March.

ECB chief medical officer, Dr Peter Gregory, said: "Due to a series of events that aggravated a previous rib problem during practice and the first two one-day internationals Kevin is returning home to the UK and will play no further part in the one-day series.

"Scans taken after the first one-day match showed no fracture but demonstrated a stress lesion and despite passing a fitness test ahead of the second one-day match Kevin suffered intolerable pain throughout.

"A stress lesion of this nature is likely to require four to six weeks rest but it is expected that Kevin will make a full recovery in time for the tour to India in March next year.

Pietersen, 25, said: "Its very disappointing to be leaving the England team at this time as I was looking forward to a strong one-day series. I hate missing matches and despite trying to play the first couple of one-day games the pain was just too great.

"I certainly wouldnt want to let my teammates down due to injury whether it is with the bat or in the field so the only choice available to me is to rest the injury with a view to a full recovery in time for India."

The five-match one-day series against Pakistan currently stands at 1-1 after Pakistan won the second match in Lahore by seven wickets on Monday. England won the first match by 42 runs on Saturday.

The third international is scheduled to take place in Karachi on Thursday with the two final games in Rawalpindi on Saturday and Monday.

(Article: Copyright © 2005 AFP)