* England recall after meetings with senior players
* Batsman delighted to return to test arena (Adds Pietersen quote)
LONDON Oct 18 (Reuters) – Kevin Pietersen has been added to England’s test squad for next month’s tour to India after being dropped following a controversial text-message row.
The decision to recall the South African-born batsman was made after he met coach Andy Flower, captain Alastair Cook and other senior players and members of England’s management team this week.
“We were keen 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,” England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) managing director Hugh Morris said in a statement on Thursday.
“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.”
Pietersen, 32, who averages 49.48 from 88 tests, was dropped for the third and final test against South Africa at Lord’s in August after admitting sending provocative texts to the opposing players.
But he denied allegations he had told them how to dismiss former captain Andrew Strauss, who retired from all cricket after South Africa won the test series 2-0.
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