Pietersen Cleared for Oval Showdown

Kevin Pietersen has declared himself fit for tomorrow's final Test against India at The Oval. The Hampshire batsman, who has not missed a Test since making his debut against Australia two years ago, threw England's preparations for the series decider into chaos by failing to report for training yesterday because of a high temperature.

Pietersen was seen by a doctor and given a course of antibiotics and, although he was not at full capacity this morning, he was able to bat in the nets before returning to the team hotel and is expected to be named in England's starting XI tomorrow.

"He's had a net, he didn't take part in the run around and fielding drills but he'll be fine to go into tomorrow's game," confirmed the England captain Michael Vaughan. "I think it was just a virus he picked up on the golf course and he's on antibiotics and he feels fine so he should be OK.

"It was slightly worrying yesterday when I heard he'd got a virus but the doctor said straight away that as long as he got his tablets down him he'd be OK. It's obviously better seeing him here today having a bat and hearing his words saying he's fine for tomorrow. It's a big relief for the team because he's such an important player."

Since making his debut at Lord's against Australia, Pietersen has averaged over 50 from his 29 appearances and his contribution will be vital if England are to bounce back from their defeat at Trent Bridge to level the series.

The Leicestershire fast bowler Stuart Broad was also present at practice having missed yesterday's session on county duty in the Pro40 match at Derby, but England are expected to name an unchanged side.

Teams for tomorrow's third Test between England and India at The Oval:

England (from): MP Vaughan (Yorkshire, capt), AN Cook (Essex), AJ Strauss (Middlesex), KP Pietersen (Hampshire), PD Collingwood (Durham), IR Bell (Warwickshire), MJ Prior (Sussex, wkt), RJ Sidebottom (Nottinghamshire), JM Anderson (Lancashire), MS Panesar (Northamptonshire), CT Tremlett (Hampshire), SC Broad (Leicestershire).

India (from): R Dravid (capt), KD Karthik, W Jaffer, SR Tendulkar, SC Ganguly, VVS Laxman, MS Dhoni (wkt), A Kumble, Z Khan, S Sreesanth, RP Singh, Yuvraj Singh, RR Bose.