LONDON, Aug 7: England batsman Kevin Pietersen missed practice at The Oval here on Tuesday, just two days before the third and final Test against India starts at the London ground, with illness.

South Africa-born Pietersen, 27, remained in England's team hotel when the players left for a net session.

The tall middle-order batsman has not missed a Test match since making hisdebut against Australia at

Lord's two years ago and averages 52 in 29 appearances for England.

An England spokesman was unable to confirm the nature of Pietersen's illness.

No-one has yet been placed

on standby for the Hampshire batsman ahead of a match England must win to preserve their six-year unbeaten run in home Test series.—AFP