ECB Confirms Pietersen Available For Selection Again

ECB Confirms Pietersen Available For Selection Again

Kevin Pietersen (right) alongside ECB Chairman Giles Clarke at a press conferece in Colombo, where it was announced that he had signed a contract and will be available for selection once again

©REUTERS / Action Images

Kevin Pietersen looks set to turn out in England colours once again after the England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed that he would be considered for selection in the future.

Following first retiring from limited overs internationals and then announcing a comeback, Pietersen had been left out of England's squads after news came to light that he had been texting opposition players during the England-South Africa Test series.

He has subsequently apologised to then captain Andrew Strauss and although the messages have not been seen by ECB management, Pietersen has signed a binding assurance regarding the contents of the messages. He admits they were 'provocative' but the ECB is satisfied that no derogatory messages were transmitted and that no tactical information was passed on.

A statement from the ECB revealing Pietersen's 're-integration' read as follows:

"ECB and Kevin Pietersen confirm that agreement has been reached concerning a process for his re-integration into the England Team during the remainder of 2012. Upon completion of the programme, the England Selectors will consider Kevin for future matches.

"Kevin Pietersen has apologised to Andrew Strauss and wishes to express to all those who support England his regrets at the impact the recent controversies have had on the England Team. He now wishes to put the events of the summer behind him and to focus on regaining his place in the England Team."

England's next engagement is a four-Test tour of India, for which Pietersen was not named in the touring party. His absence during the ICC World Twenty20 was keenly felt by England, who failed to reach the semi-final stage as they defended their title.

© Cricket World 2012