Time to look forward, says Pietersen

In order to be added to the touring party, Pietersen must satisfy team director Andy Flower of his good faith and readiness to rejoin dressing-room colleagues he alienated during his summer of contract wrangles with the ECB.

It is little wonder then that, as he made clear yesterday, he wants to look forward rather than back.

Kevin Pietersen

"For various reasons, I don't want to go into other issues. It's just a case for us to look forward, move forward and not delve into what's gone on. It's a private matter that will go forward now," he said.

Clarke is in agreement, and spoke with characteristic certainty about the mutual intent to achieve a return to the fold for 32-year-old prodigal Pietersen. "Kevin has been extremely sensible and most constructive over the last period of time in getting this started," he said.