Axed England batsman Kevin Pietersen is set to play international cricket again after reaching an agreement with the England and Wales Cricket Board, the ECB said on Wednesday. “The 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,” the ECB said in a statement. “Upon completion of the programme, the England selectors will consider Kevin for future matches.”
The 32-year-old star batsman was cast into international exile in August after sending text messages to touring South Africa players that contained criticism of then England captain Andrew Strauss during the Test series. He missed out on England’s failed World Twenty20 title defence in Sri Lanka and was not also selected for the upcoming tour of India. The ECB confirmed reports that Pietersen had apologised to Strauss for what he admitted were “provocative” messages to the South African players.
“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,” the statement continued. “He now wishes to put the events of the summer behind him and to focus on regaining his place in the England team.
