Mercurial England batsman Kevin Pietersen has reportedly been named in the team's provisional 30-member squad for this year's Twenty20 World Cup in Bangladesh, despite his doubtful Test future.
A swashbuckling batsman who polarises opinion, Pietersen was targeted for criticism after England's 5-0 Ashes surrender in Australia despite being the highest run-scorer from his side, with coach Andy Flower forced to issue a statement denying a dressing-room rift.
According to Sport24, although captain Alistair Cook has also ducked questions concerning Pietersen's Test future, however, his international career looks far from over after selectors opted to consider the use of his hard-hitting prowess in Bangladesh.
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said in a statement that the squad would be halved to a final 15-member party following the three match T20 series against Australia beginning on Jan 29.
The report mentioned that Pietersen has been rested from England's limited overs series (five one-day internationals and three Twenty20s) in Australia, while the T20 side, which is to be led by Stuart Broad, will begin their quest for a second title with a Mar 22 match against New Zealand at Chittagong.