Bring on the Aussies blasts fit-again KP.

Byline: JAMES NURSEY

KEVIN PIETERSEN last night insisted he is ready to take on Australia after winning his fitness battle.

England batsman Pietersen, 28, was ruled out of the one-day series against West Indies after suffering a recurrence of the Achilles problem he picked up on tour in the Caribbean.

He returned for the ICC World Twenty20 warmups but Pietersen, England's top run-scorer in the two previous Ashes, had to pull out of the opening match against the Netherlands.

Yet he now insists he is over his injury nightmare and will face Australia in the opening Ashes Test at Cardiff on July 8. "It was the first injury I have had playing for England which has kept me out of a series," said Pietersen.

"Not knowing when I would be able to play again and going through a full rehab process was not something I have enjoyed.

"It was probably one of the hardest things I have had to deal with, but I am now doing everything I can pain-free.

He added: "My Achilles is OK. I am waking up every morning fine and able to do all my exercises and routines."

Pietersen says his recovery means he is also in a better mental state to face the Australians.

He added: "The improvements have been huge and from the mental side of things that is important.

"I have seen too many players going into big series injured and come out the other end worse."

PIETERSEN was speaking at an event with team sponsors Vodafone to promote Nightwatchman - a video companion to The Ashes. vodafone.co.uk/cricket

CAPTION(S):

FEELING GOOD Pietersen