Kevin Pietersen was recalled on Tuesday to England’s limited-overs squad for the trip to India next month. England have five one-day matches against the world champions followed by a Twenty20 match, with the tour starting with the first of two warm-up fixtures on October 8. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed that Pietersen has been included in the 15-man squad, which includes uncapped Surrey pace bowler Stuart Meaker, but bowler James Anderson has been rested.
Meaker, 22, was called up last week to try out with the squad in the nets and has done enough to impress the selectors.
“This squad contains an exciting balance of experienced international cricketers along with some very talented younger players who can play the high quality limited overs cricket needed to challenge India,” said national selector Geoff Miller. “A number of injuries and a decision to omit James Anderson in line with our policy of sensibly managing player workloads give opportunities for other very talented players to continue to develop as international cricketers.
“We had a promising One-Day series win over India earlier this month and this squad will be looking forward to the challenge of continuing that success in the sub-continent over the next four weeks.
“The additions to the squad for the Twenty20 fixture will strengthen the squad and provide Jos Buttler and Alex Hales with valuable experience of playing in the sub-continent. “Stuart Broad is currently undergoing a period of rehabilitation for a shoulder injury. However he will join the squad in India if he completes his rehabilitation programme ahead of schedule. Graeme Swann will once again lead the Twenty20 side if Stuart is unable to join the squad.” Surrey batsman Pietersen had been rested for the recent victorious home ODI series against India, the one-off clash with Ireland and the two Twenty20 fixtures against the West Indies.
Meaker has spent the last two winters on the Fast Bowling Programme. He made his debut for England Lions against Sri Lanka A this summer and has now received his first senior call-up.
Warwickshire all-rounder Chris Woakes and Durham’s Scott Borthwick have also been included having not been involved in this month’s ODI series win over India.
Squad: Alaistair Cook (Essex, capt), Jonny Bairstow (Yorkshire), Ian Bell (Warwickshire), Ravi Bopara (Essex), Scott Borthwick (Durham), Tim Bresnan (Yorkshire), Jade Dernbach (Surrey), Steven Finn (Middlesex), Craig Kieswetter (Somerset), Stuart Meaker (Surrey), Samit Patel (Nottinghamshire), Kevin Pietersen (Surrey), Graeme Swann (Nottinghamshire), Jonathan Trott (Warwickshire), Chris Woakes (Warwickshire). Jos Buttler (Somerset) and Alex Hales (Nottinghamshire) join the squad for the T20 fixture.
