Yorkshire batsman Jonny Bairstow replaces Kevin Pietersen

England captain Alastair Cook has confirmed Jonny Bairstow will replace the injured Kevin Pietersen in the final Test against New Zealand at Eden Park.

It was announced on Wednesday that Pietersen would fly home for further tests on a knee injury, which is set to sideline him for up to eight weeks.

And although Cook is disappointed to see Pietersen leave the tour, he is confident Bairstow can rise to the occasion.

"Obviously, it's a blow when you lose one of your senior batters and a guy who's performed consistently well for us over a number of years," he said.

"He's a great player, and will be missed but it gives an opportunity to Jonny Bairstow coming in.

"He's probably been a little unlucky not to be selected earlier, through circumstance this winter, so he has a great opportunity to try to end this winter well."