Andy Flower talks the key to Kevin Pietersen returning for India series

Andy Flower will lead a series of meetings that will determine whether Kevin Pietersen can return to the England team in time for the Test series against India.

Pietersen will take time out from his stint playing for Delhi Daredevils in the Twenty20 Champions League, which starts in South Africa next week, to meet Flower and establish a timescale for when he can be brought back into the squad.

The batsman and senior members of the England and Wales Cricket Board have worked through some of their differences and he has signed a four-month central contract, which will become a full central deal if he completes a “probationary” period without further controversy.

Pietersen’s rehabilitation took a significant step forward when he held a contrite press conference in Colombo yesterday alongside ECB chairman Giles Clarke.

Yet coach Flower’s whole philosophy is predicated on the unity of the team. It is what brought England such success during the first three years of his tenure and Pietersen will be made to understand that he has to adhere to every element of it.

If Pietersen and Flower can find common ground, it is probable that the 32-year-old will be invited to take part in England’s training camp in Dubai later this month, which precedes their tour of India.

If that preparation period is successful, there is a strong likelihood that Pietersen will be in the England XI for the First Test in Ahmedabad, which starts on November 15.

Pietersen’s talent means the desire for him to return at the ECB is understandable, but former Australia captain Steve Waugh, who led one of the most successful teams in Test history during his five years in charge, agrees with Flower that nothing should be allowed to disrupt squad harmony.

“You have to be a collective and be playing for each other or it won’t work,” he said.

“It’s true that cricket can be an individual game in a lot of ways but at the same time you have to be going in the same direction as everyone else. Pietersen can be invaluable if he fits into the team ethos and culture.”