Pietersen will meet senior England players personally

London, Oct 5 (IANS):

Former England captain Kevin Pietersen will be criss-crossing the country meeting his fellow team mates and apologising to them personally.

The 32-year-old was axed from the England team in August on charges of sending “provocative” text messages to opposing players during the Test series against South Africa.

But after long negotiations, Pietersen was offered a four-month fresh contract by the English and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) but he must undergo a “reintegration” period before returning to the team.

The personal visit is a part of the deal that was struck between Pietersen and the ECB. Pietersen will be meeting Graeme Swann, James Anderson and Stuart Broad personally later this month.

The Sun reported that Pietersen has agreed to fly home from the Champions League event in South Africa. Pietersen will be representing Delhi Daredevils in the Champions League.

Delhi Daredevils play their first match Oct 13. And Pietersen will fly home after Oct 13 and return before Oct 19 when Daredevils play their second match.

It is unlikely Pietersen will be meeting all the members of the 16-man squad, but team director Andy Flower wants him to clear the air with at least all the senior players.

“England team director Andy Flower will then decide whether the batsman should be added to the squad for the four-Test tour of India,” the daily said.

The England team will meet in Dubai Oct 25 for a training camp before flying to India for the Test series. The first Test is in Ahmedabad from Nov 15.