Axed England batsman Kevin Pietersen is set to playinternational cricket again after reaching an agreement with the England andWales Cricket Board. "The ECB and Kevin Pietersen confirm that agreementhas been reached concerning a process for his re-integration into the Englandteam during the remainder of 2012," the ECB said in a statement."Upon completion of the programme, the England selectors will considerKevin for future matches." The 32-year-old star batsman was cast intointernational exile in August after sending text messages to touring SouthAfrica players that contained criticism of then England captain Andrew Straussduring the Test series.
He missed out on England's failed World Twenty20 titledefence 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 headmitted were "provocative" messages to the South African players."Pietersen has apologised to Andrew Strauss and wishes to express to allthose who support England his regrets at the impact the recent controversieshave had on the England team," the statement continued. "He nowwishes to put the events of the summer behind him and to focus on regaining hisplace in the England team.
"Kevin conceded that the messages exchanged wereprovocative. The ECB is satisfied, following receipt of this binding assurance,that to the best of his recollection, Kevin did not convey any messages whichwere derogatory about the England captain, the England team director (AndyFlower), the ECB or employees of the ECB. "Furthermore, there was notactical information whatsoever provided to members of the South Africantouring party."
"It's been a horrible situation for all involved butit's time to move forward," Pietersen was quoted as saying by thosepresent at the briefing. "All being well, I'll be back in an England shirtas soon as possible.
