Pietersen Recovery Hands England a Timely Lift

Kevin Pietersen returned to the nets today after being passed fit to play in England's crucial fourth match of the one-day series against India.

England hope to have a full squad to select from in Cochin after Pietersen and Matthew Hoggard were ruled out of the 49-run defeat in Goa with stomach bugs.

All 16 members of the squad took part in a punishing work-out in the humidity of southern India today as the tourists seek to keep the seven-match campaign, which they trail 3-0, alive.

Meanwhile, the physiotherapist treating Michael Vaughan has revealed that the England Test captain has no date currently planned for a return to action. Vaughan was forced to fly home from the current tour to undergo further treatment on his troublesome right knee, which was operated on before Christmas.

The 31-year-old has had no batting practice since leaving the tour and remains on an intensive programme of rehabilitation. There had been hopes Vaughan may be able to play in Yorkshire's opening county championship match against Nottinghamshire on April 19 but they now appear to be receding.

The county's physio Scott McAllister revealed: "The only time schedule is how Michael's knee responds, not the playing schedule. We're not going to push him and neither are England. It's vital that he gets the knee right to ensure that when he does come back, he does so with confidence.

"The encouraging thing is that Michael is progressing, step by step, slowly but surely. The signs are good, but at the same time we're not getting over-excited about the situation."