Preview: Kiwis hope to benefit from Pietersen's absence

There's an enormous batsman sized hole in the second clash of today's Super 8 action between England and New Zealand. The gaping gash occurs in the England batting line-up and may prove to be decisive in this fixture. It's the absence of Kevin Pietersen, who has left the Caribbean to be at his wife's side for the birth of their first child. Pietersen came to the fore in England's win against South Africa, with a confident half century. Now, he's gone, although it hasn't come at the worst of times for England.

They are basically through to the final four and a win will just help them keep momentum going. Although they will miss their kingpin, it's an opportunity to give Ravi Bopara some time in the middle and will allow the likes of Paul Collingwood and Eoin Morgan another shot at scoring big runs.

Text: Cricbuzz

Images: AP