CHENNAI, India (CMC) — West Indies will not have to deal with the threat of Kevin Pietersen when they face England later this month, after it was confirmed yesterday that the marquee batsman would miss the remainder of the World Cup because of a hernia.

It was announced on Saturday that the powerful right-hander was suffering with the condition, but would continue to play while being “managed” by the England medical staff.

However, Pietersen experienced soreness and discomfort following England’s thrilling six-run win over South Africa on Sunday and was due to fly home last night to undergo surgery which will rule him out of action for six weeks.

He will be replaced by prolific 24-year-old left-hander Eoin Morgan, who ironically missed selection for the World Cup through injury after fracturing a finger in the One-Day series against Australia earlier this year.

West Indies face England in a Group B clash on March 17 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.