Swann to return home from Australian tour

England spinner Graeme Swann will return to England from the Australian tour because of a back injury.

England coach Andy Flower said on Tuesday that Swann had a lower back strain, and that, combined with knee bruising, means he should recuperate back in England.

Swann joins allrounder Tim Bresnan, who has already left Australia with a calf strain. Flower said he was confident Swann and Bresnan would be fit for the World Cup starting in mid-February in India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.

Batsman Kevin Pietersen, who missed Sunday's one-day loss to Australia with a groin injury, will be fit to play in Wednesday's fourth match, Flower said.

Australia leads the seven-match series 3-0.