Updated On: 01 August, 2013 12:38 AM IST | | AFP
England are optimistic Kevin Pietersen will be fit to play in the third Ashes Test against Australia at Manchester's Old Trafford ground starting today Pietersen suffered a left calf injury during England's crushing 347-run win in the second Test at Lord's, which put the Ashes-holders 2-0 up in the five-match series with three to play.
Since then the 33-year-old Pietersen, arguably England’s most talented batsman, has undergone an intensive programme to regain full fitness.

Kevin Pietersen bats in Old Trafford’s indoor nets yesterday. Pic/AFP