Pietersen was not in England’s original 30-man list, which was due to be reduced to 15, after retiring from limited-overs cricket. But it is understood defending champions England did not ask for an extension so the England and Wales Cricket Board could make moves to bring Pietersen back into the Twenty20 squad.

It is understood England made their request to ensure no significant announcement coincides with the middle of their must-win Test match against South Africa at Lord’s. They are therefore hoping on Tuesday to announce both the squad to defend their World Twenty20 title, and the five ODIs against South Africa.