When England announce their squad for the tour of the West Indies later today one name that definitely won't be on the list is that of Kevin Pietersen.
The South African-born batsman remains persona non-grata within the England set-up, although as incoming ECB chairman Colin Graves said earlier this month he could yet play again for the country that sacked him last year.
Pietersen is eager to add to his 104 Test caps, not to mention his 8,181 runs, as he explained to BBC's Test Match Special on Wednesday morning. Appearing as an analyst on the World Cup quarter-final between South Africa and Sri Lanka [a match won easily by the South Africans], Pietersen was asked about returning to county cricket, which would be the required first step in his rehabilitation.
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"I would love to get county runs," said the 34-year-old former Nottinghamshire and Surrey player. "I have expressed my interest in trying to get back into county cricket. If I can do anything that can help me get back into it for England then it's something I want to do."
According to the BBC, "six counties have said they are keen" on signing Pietersen, even though he has played only limited-overs cricket since being discarded by England 12 months ago. Instead he's spent his time playing the limited overs game and is due to appear for the Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League (IPL) next month.
If Pietersen is to return to the England Test team that contract will need to be annulled. Sunrisers coach Tom Moody has apparently sanctioned his release, a decision that is expected to be rubber-stamped by the IPL this week.
"There are a few things that need tinkering with, but I do want to make the right decision," explained Pietersen with regard to the coming season. "I would have loved to have had it done sooner. I don't know how it's going to happen. I just have to wait and see… [but] I love playing for England."
If the prodigal son does return to the Test team it will be in the summer when England have the daunting task of playing two Tests against the rapidly-improving New Zealanders followed by a five-Test Ashes series against Australia.
Between now and then, England will fly to the Caribbean to play three Tests against the West Indies. One name that many hope will be included in the tour party is that of Jonathan Trott. The Warwickshire batsman flew home early from the disastrous tour Down Under last year complaining of fatigue and he hasn't been seen on the England side since. But former England batsman Geoff Boycott told BBC's Test Match Special: "I'd take him. If he's OK, he's got to play…you've got to bring him back in his proper spot first, where he is confident. Remember, it will be a big thing for him."
