Pietersen added to England squad for tour of India

LONDON - Kevin Pietersen has been added to the England squad for the tour of India. The decision to recall the 32-year-old was made after he met with coach Andy Flower, Test captain Alastair Cook and other senior players this week.

Friday, October 19, 2012
Kevin Pietersen was dropped over the texts scandal. Net photo.

LONDON - Kevin Pietersen has been added to the England squad for the tour of India. The decision to recall the 32-year-old was made after he met with coach Andy Flower, Test captain Alastair Cook and other senior players this week."The meetings were constructive and cordial and all outstanding issues have been resolved,” explained Hugh Morris, the England team’s managing directorPietersen, who recently agreed a new England contract, was dropped in August following a fractious summer.The player had to apologise to former captain Andrew Strauss after sending "provocative” text messages to opposing players during the Test series against South Africa.However, the ECB later accepted the texts were not derogatory about Strauss and the Surrey player was given a new four-month contract pending a successful outcome to a "reintegration” period.After a series of successful meetings earlier this week in Oxford, England are now ready to welcome South Africa-born batsman back into the national fold before they fly out to Abu Dhabi next week ahead of their four-Test tour of India in November and December.Pietersen is currently playing for Delhi Daredevils in the Champions League in South Africa."All the England players and management are now keen to draw a line under this matter and fully focus on the cricketing challenge that lies ahead in India,” added Morris.