Sir Ian Botham predicts "difficult" Kevin Pietersen return

Former England captain Sir Ian Botham has predicted that Kevin Pietersen's return to the national side will be "difficult".

It was announced on Wednesday that the batsman would be 're-integrated' into the team after a row between himself and the ECB.

Pietersen was snubbed by selectors after he was revealed to have sent "provocative" text messages to members of the South African squad during this summer's Test series.

"It's dragged on and on and it's very difficult for both parties, but that's for him to sort out," Botham told Sky Sports News.

"He's a world-class player. It will be difficult now. He'll have some work to do."

It has yet to be confirmed whether Pietersen will join the Test squad for their tour of India later this month.