Pietersen hopeful of being fit for first Test against Sri Lanka

England's injured batsman Kevin Pietersen says he is hopeful of being fit for the first Test against Sri Lanka.

Pietersen withdrew mid-way through the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 due to a hernia problem and has not been in action since then.

Pietersen insists that he is enjoying the extended period away from the game.

Pietersen has undergone an operation and has been spending time at home with his family. The talismanic cricketer now hopes to prove that he is ready for selection against Sri Lanka at Cardiff on 26 May.

"I'm not raring to go right now, not at all. I'm enjoying this break; it's amazing. I've not had a break like this for seven years playing for England. It's something I've really enjoyed.

"But I'm rehabbing three, four, five times a week trying to get things right, just making sure I get myself right, get myself strong, get myself fit," he was quoted as saying on the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) website.

He later added on Sky Sports News: "I haven't picked up a cricket bat of late; I haven't even seen a cricket bat except on TV watching the IPL.

"I'll start playing probably in the middle of May and try and get ready to prove my fitness for the first Test match."