KP TAKING IT ICE ‘N EASY

CRICKET

ENGLAND are hoping that ‘iceman’ Kevin Pietersen will prove his fitness for the third Ashes Test next week.

The batsman (right) was not on the field as his team-mates wrapped up a 347-run win in the second Test at Lord’s on Sunday, having suffered a calf strain.

He has since provided an update on his recovery, tweeting that he was “stuck on a sofa tightly fastened to an ice machine” in a bid to be ready for Old Trafford on August 1.

And in-form pace ace James Anderson revealed: “As far as I know it was a strain, so we’ll keep our fingers crossed that he’ll be fine for the Old Trafford Test.

“For him more than most, the next 10 days will be crucial – a lot of rehab and trying to get himself fit for next week, which we’re all hoping he will be.”

There are no such problems with Joe Root, who continued his rapid rise by making 180 in the second innings at Lord’s.

“He’s been amazing,” said Anderson of the 22-year-old Yorkshireman.

“There’s a lot of pressure on this series and for someone so young to take it in his stride, it’s a great credit to him.”

Anderson expects his home track in Manchester to follow the pattern established so far in the series, with reverse swing to the fore and help also available for spinner Graeme Swann, who took nine wickets at Lord’s.

“I’m delighted to be playing at my home ground, very excited about it,” said the Lancashire quickie.

“I’ve never played an Ashes Test at Old Trafford, so I can’t wait for it to come round.”