Kevin Pietersen signs central contract

The sight of Giles holding court as England coach in place of team director Andy Flower means the forthcoming one-day series against India is already a new beginning of sorts and the same can now be said for Pietersen.

He should play his first ODI since February 2012 in Rajkot on Friday and will do so having put pen to paper on the same deal as England’s other senior players.

A turbulent 2012 saw Pietersen retire and un-retire from limited-overs internationals and be dropped for sending “provocative” text messages to South Africa players.

His short-term deal was due to expire at the end of the month but, as expected, he is now on the same terms as his team-mates, with an agreement in place until September 30.

“Kevin has now signed up fully,” said Giles, who has just completed his first full week in his new role.

“He is fully back on board. It’s great news. Whatever happened in 2012, we’re moving into a new year now. It’s great for me to have him here (in India). His experience in this side in this part of the world is invaluable.”