Pietersen granted compassionate leave from Oz tour following friend's death

Star England batsman Kevin Pietersen has reportedly been granted compassionate leave from his side's tour to Australia for the return Ashes series following the death of a friend, although he is expected to make his 100th appearance in the first Test.

According to the Mirror, Pietersen will not join up with the rest of the 17-man squad until Sunday, but should be available for England's first warm-up game against Western Australia in Perth on October 31.

Meanwhile, England captain Alastair Cook said that his side accepts their role as favourites as they chase a fourth consecutive Ashes series victory over Australia for the first time in over 100 years, adding that it is a fair description for them given that they have won the last three series.

However, Cook admitted that it would not make much of a difference being favourites in the upcoming series, adding that winning in Australia is no mean feat.