England rocked by Pietersen scare
It is not known whether Pietersen will recover in time to face India
Kevin Pietersen has handed England a scare ahead of the third Test against India at The Oval after sitting out Tuesday training because of illness.
The 27-year-old was confined to his hotel room with a high temperature when the squad had an afternoon net session so he could be attended to by medics.
An England spokesman said the Hampshire player was on antibiotics and would be re-assessed on Wednesday morning.
At that stage a decision will be taken on whether to call up a reserve.
Pietersen has not missed a Test match since making his debut in 2005.
That came against Australia and he averages 52 in 29 appearances since then.
His would be a massive loss for England should he not be fit to play, especially as the team have to beat India to avoid a first home series defeat since 2001.
After a fabulous start to the summer under new coach Peter Moores with a 3-0 series win over West Indies, England fell one wicket short of victory over India in the first Test before slipping 1-0 down in the three-match series with a heavy defeat at Trent Bridge.
Stewart says poor shot selection cost England dear in Nottingham
And former skipper Alec Stewart lays the blame at the feet of the England batsmen.
"The batsmen have been giving wickets away in particular Kevin," he said. "It'll be difficult to pick themselves up. It's been a good summer until now but they have to get a good start.
"Most will know that I am an advocate of positive cricket.
"But I felt that some of the decisions of shot selection were not of the highest order.
"After dominating against an uninspired West Indies earlier in the summer and then going just one agonising wicket away from winning the Lord's Test against the Indians, England were guilty of giving away their wickets.
606: DEBATE
Do you agree with Alec Stewart's comments?
"They will need some big performances from a few players to level the series... but I see no reason why they can not do it."
England are likely to name an unchanged side for the match after naming the same 12-man squad that has contested the series so far.