14 Oct 2012

Pietersen returns to the crease

2:20 pm on 14 October 2012

Controversial England batsman Kevin Pietersen struck 14 runs off 18 balls when he ended his cricket exile by playing for Delhi Daredevils in a Champions League Twenty20 game.

Batting at No.3 for the Indian Premier League franchise in a first round pool match at SuperSport Park, Pietersen tried an on-side pull off Brett Lee and was caught by Sunil Narine at deep mid-wicket.

Pietersen managed just one four in his first appearance since being sidelined by England during a summer Test series against South Africa following a text message storm.

The South Africa-born batsman allegedly criticised England teammates - including highly respected skipper Andrew Strauss - in texts sent to rival players.

Pietersen is keen to resume his international career and there has been media speculation that he may be added to the England squad for a tour of India from November.

Fast bowlers Stuart Broad and James Anderson are looking forward to the return of Pietersen, who made his Test debut for England in mid-2005 against Australia.

England's Twenty20 skipper Broad says the team has no issue with 'KP' coming back if the management decide he is ready to.

Anderson believes the time has come to draw a line under the Pietersen saga and focus on the challenge of tackling World Cup title holders India on the sub-continent.