Pietersen set for finals recall?

Kevin Pietersen: ready for a recall? © Getty Images

Kevin Pietersen could be set to make a surprise return to England's one-day team, just three weeks after breaking a rib while batting against Glenn McGrath in the opening match of the CB Series at Melbourne.

Pietersen, who was criticised by Australia's former captain, Allan Border, for "getting on the plane before the X-ray was back," is an outside bet for a recall should England win their make-or-break encounter with New Zealand and qualify for next week's finals against Australia.

Asked if there were plans for Pietersen to return, an England official told reporters in Australia: "No, not at the moment, but that may be re-assessed if we beat New Zealand." The statement follows the assertion of England's wicketkeeper, Paul Nixon, who said last week, before England's crucial win over Australia: "He [Pietersen] was very keen to possibly get back for the finals."

The news, if true, is a double boost for an England team that claims to have discovered a new lease of life as an arduous tour draws to a close. Yesterday it was confirmed that the captain, Michael Vaughan, has recovered from a hamstring injury sustained in Hobart and is ready to lead the team in their must-win match.