Pietersen to play in Oval Test following positive knee scan

England batsman Kevin Pietersen has reportedly been given the green signal on his fitness for the final Ashes Test at The Oval, following a scan on his right knee.

According to the Mirror, Pietersen has been struggling with an ongoing knee problem since returning early from the tour of New Zealand and missing the two-match return series while he recovered, along with the ICC Champions Trophy.

However, the report added, the batsman recovered enough to help England take a 3-0 lead after the first four Ashes Tests and was today passed fit for the final Test at the Oval.

Confirming Pietersen's selection for the fifth Investec Ashes Test, an England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) statement said that Kevin Pietersen had a precautionary scan on his right knee today as part of an ongoing monitoring process, adding that he will continue to receive treatment on his right knee as part of his rehabilitation programme over the course of remainder of the series and beyond.

However, team director Andy Flower has reportedly refused to clear Pietersen for his county Surrey's Friends Life Twenty20 finals day at Edgbaston on Saturday, given that the batsman is also struggling with a calf problem which made him a doubt for the Old Trafford Test.

The results of his latest scan will be assessed before a decision is made over his availability for the game at Surrey's Kia Oval starting on August 21, with the report adding that England will name their squad for the match on Saturday.