London: Expressing his happiness after getting selected for the England team for the upcoming tour of India on Thursday, Kevin Pietersen tweeted: “BOOOOOOOOM!! The happiest days of my career have been playing cricket for ENG. Long may that continue! Thanks everyone for your kind words.”
The decision came after the star batsman met with England coach Andy Flower, Test captain Alastair Cook and other senior players and managers this week to finalise his reintegration into the side.
The Surrey batsman was sent 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.
The 32-year-old was dropped for the final Test and missed the One-Day series against South Africa and England``s failed defence of their World Twenty20 title in Sri Lanka, while Strauss retired from all forms of cricket, Sport24 reports.
South Africa-born Pietersen has since apologised for his behaviour and signed a new central contract with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) after agreeing to enter a “re-integration” process.
The England selectors on Thursday announced that Pietersen has been added to the Test squad for the forthcoming tour of India.
“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,” said ECB Managing Director Hugh Morris.
ANI
First Published: Friday, October 19, 2012, 12:31