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Kevin Pietersen welcomed back into England Test squad for India tour

Pietersen added to India tour
© PA Photos
England confirm that batsman Kevin Pietersen will be added to the Test squad for the team's tour of India, despite originally being snubbed.

The England and Wales Cricket Board have confirmed that England outcast Kevin Pietersen will travel with the national Test squad for their tour of India.

The 32-year-old was originally left out of the team after admitting that he sent 'provocative' text messages to members of the South Africa team about his England teammates during the summer.

Following a number of discussions, the ECB announced earlier this month that Pietersen would begin a re-integration process into the squad.

ECB managing director Hugh Morris said: "We were keen that Kevin should hold a series of face-to-face meetings with team management and senior players before the Test squad departs for the UAE and India next week.

"The meetings were constructive and cordial and all outstanding issues have been resolved. All the England players and management are now keen to draw a line under this matter and fully focus on the cricketing challenge that lies ahead in India."

National selector Geoff Miller added: "We are pleased to welcome a player of Kevin's proven international calibre back into the Test squad for such an important series."

No players will drop out of the squad due to the expected departure of Ian Bell in the second Test in order to fly home and be present for the birth of his first child.

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