England have been boosted by the news Kevin Pietersen has arrived in Australia safe and well ahead of this winter’s Ashes series.
The rest of the England squad landed in Perth on Friday but Pietersen was granted compassionate leave following the death of a close friend and arrived in Western Australia late on Sunday.
Pietersen has missed the first few days of training with his team-mates but was able to bat in the nets at Perth’s WACA ground on Monday as he bids to get in top shape for the opening Test in Brisbane on November 21.
England’s first warm-up match will be against a Western Australia XI on Thursday and Pietersen is likely to be involved.
The rest of the England squad are delighted to see the influential Pietersen, who is set to play a key role in England’s bid to win a fourth straight Ashes series.
England fast bowler Chris Tremlett said: “He’s in good spirits. It’s nice to have him rejoin the camp.
“We know how destructive he can be. He’s capable of taking any situation away from any opposition.
“We’re hoping Kevin will be fine when it comes around to going out there.”
The quality of the opposition this week has been affected as the match clashes with Western Australia’s Sheffield Shield game against Victoria, which will involve Test players Shaun Marsh, Ashton Agar and Marcus North.
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