19 Oct 2012

Pietersen back in England test cricket squad

6:10 am on 19 October 2012

Kevin Pietersen has been added to England's test cricket squad for next month's tour to India after being dropped over a controversial text-message row.

The decision to recall the South African-born batsman was made after he met up with coach Andy Flower, captain Alastair Cook and other senior players and members of England's management team earlier this week.

Pietersen was dropped by England for the third and final test against South Africa at Lord's in August after admitting sending provocative texts to the tourists' players.

But the batsman denied allegations he told them how to dismiss former captain Andrew Strauss.

Strauss quit cricket after South Africa won the test series 2-nil.

The ECB's national selector Geoff Miller says they're pleased to welcome a player of Kevin's proven international calibre back into the squad for such an important test series.