Pietersen making slow recovery from surgery

England batsman Kevin Pietersen has said that he is making a slow and steady recovery from the Achilles tendon surgery and is targeting a return to action during England's South Africa.  

"I saw a couple of surgeons during the week and it is very slow at the moment. I''ve got an open wound in my leg and I''m only truly hoping to get back in time for the tour to South Africa," The Mirror quoted Pietersen, as saying.

The 29-year-old has suffered complications in his recovery from the Achilles surgery that forced him out of the last three Ashes Tests, the seven match ODI series against Australia and the Champions Trophy.

Following absence of experienced players like Pietersen, all-rounder Andrew Flintoff and wicketkeeper Matt Prior due to injury, the inexperienced team is in dire straits in the seven match ODI series, where Australia have taken an unassailable 4-0 lead.