Cricket-England remain undecided on Pietersen replacement

SYDNEY, Jan 15 (Reuters) - England are still undecided about who will replace injured batsman Kevin Pietersen at number four in tomorrow's tri-series one-day international against New Zealand in Hobart.

Irish-born middle-order batsman Ed Joyce is the most likely replacement but England coach Duncan Fletcher is also considering promoting Andrew Flintoff up the order.

''We've discussed it and we're still discussing it,'' Fletcher told reporters today.

''I've been chatting to (England captain) Michael Vaughan about it and we'll make a final decision about it tonight, who bats where.'' Pietersen was ruled out of the rest of the tournament when he broke a rib batting in England's eight-wicket loss to Australia on Friday.

Pietersen was England's best batsmen in the Ashes test series and his loss is a major blow to their chances of making the finals in the triangular competition.

''You don't find players like (Pietersen) every day, it'll be a huge loss,'' Fletcher said.

''You just hope that it gives an opportunity to a young guy, Joyce probably, and he learns to play the role that we require of him.

''(The other batsman) must not be drawn into trying to emulate Pietersen. That's why I say it's quite a big loss because he can change a game pretty quickly.'' New Zealand have won their last three one-day matches against England and Fletcher said it was crucial they turned it around on Tuesday to restore their confidence after failing to chalk up a single win on tour so far.

''We've got to go in there and win this and build some sort of momentum,'' Fletcher said.

''We need to give (the players) the confidence they require.

It's a huge game for us.

''New Zealand's one-day cricket's very good, they've got some experienced players and a very good captain.

''It's going to be a difficult game but I believe we can go in there and beat them.'' REUTERS PM VC1532