Kevin Pietersen denied game time as second Twenty20 abandoned due to rain

Kevin Pietersen's England return was spoiled by the rain as the second Twenty20 international against New Zealand was washed out at the Kia Oval.

After New Zealand skipper Brendon McCullum sent England in, only two balls were bowled before the players were forced off for good.

There was still enough time for Michael Lumb to come and go, edging Mitchell McClenaghan to second slip, but that was the extent of the action as Pietersen was consigned to a watching brief in his first game in England colours for three months.

The result meant New Zealand claimed the series 1-0 after they won Tuesday's opener by five runs.

Pietersen, who turned 33 today, has been sidelined since suffering a knee injury during the tour of New Zealand in March.

He had been drafted in for tonight's game - his only opportunity to face international opposition before the Ashes - after his stunning return to competitive action at the weekend.

Pietersen struck an unbeaten 177 for Surrey in their LV= County Championship match at Yorkshire to prove rustiness would not be a factor as he looks ahead to the first Test on July 10.

But, after being denied a hit tonight, he will instead turn his focus to England's four-day warm-up game against Essex, which begins on Sunday.