Pietersen would be welcomed back

Kevin Pietersen has been given hope of a return from international exile after two England stars claimed the controversial batsman would be welcomed back into the squad. The 32-year-old enraged his colleagues, who were already frustrated by his rows with England chiefs over his desire to play less one-day cricket, by sending provocative text messages to South African players that contained criticism of Strauss and coach Andy Flower. As punishment for his behaviour, Pietersen was axed from the final Test against South Africa, the subsequent one-day series. And Pietersen has received a further boost from England batsman Eoin Morgan and Ravi Bopara, who both hope their old team-mate can return to the fold. “I think everybody would like to see him back,” Morgan told Sky Sports News. Bopara added: “It’d be nice to see him back in England colours. He’s a great player; we know he’s a class player. I hope for him things turn out well.”