Kevin Pietersen is out of England's third and final Test with New Zealand due to a knee injury.
The England and Wales Cricket Board said the batsman will undergo a period of six-to-eight weeks of rest and rehabilitation, which should see him return for this summer's Ashes series.
An ECB statement said: "Pietersen experienced knee pain while fielding in preparation for the four-day game in Queenstown earlier this month, ahead of the Test series. This has failed to resolve satisfactorily.
"Recent scans confirm an injury to the right knee with bone bruising and possible cartilage damage to the kneecap.
Pietersen will miss out on playing in the IPL
"The 32-year-old will return to the UK for further investigations and specialist review.
Pietersen's injury will mean he has been forced to withdraw from competing in the Indian Premier League as well, while he will almost certainly miss the two-Tests with New Zealand at Lord's and Headingley in May.
He scored 85 runs from three innings against the Kiwis in the first two drawn Tests.