As though England’s current Test situation couldn’t get any worse – they’ve just played a Test series against a New Zealand side that were humbled by South Africa in January – their talismanic saviour Kevin Pietersen was revealed in the cricket betting news to have suffered a knee injury that could potentially harm his Ashes exploits this summer.

Granted, the hurt KP has reportedly sustained shouldn’t keep him out for longer than eight weeks, but the news is nevertheless greatly concerning for England cricket fans in the betting world who expect their side to put on a big show against the Aussies.

Unfortunately for this current crop of players their previous successes now mean they are seen as world-beaters and instead of fans hoping England can scrape a draw against their fiercest rivals we all now demand a 5-0 whitewash on home soil.

Well, for many fans and those who watch cricket online KP’s absence for the third Test against New Zealand showed whether or not we have the backbone to match up to Australia. We have certainly mastered the art of salvaging draws.

Pietersen wasn’t exactly for England in the series but his place in the order is vital to England’s success as he acts as a solid innings saviour once the openers crumble. Three half-centuries since a blistering 186 against India in Mumbai last winter proved just what a key figure KP is and fans are already concerned no one can fill that number four role.

Ian Bell has proven inconsistent while both Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow lack the experience needed to fill in so high up the order.

England dissolved against a meek Kiwis bowling attack. They were escaped a certain loss on their hands and the reality that when captain Alastair Cook falls the remaining order cannot be relied upon hit home.

This is not to say Pietersen is the difference between England and Australia, nor does it mean we cannot win the Ashes without him. The concern is that at some point over the five-Test series Australia’s bowlers will have their tail up and England need a man of KP’s ability to stop the gap and maintain confidence in the order.