Pietersen's long-term international future 'still hanging in balance'

England's maverick batsman Kevin Pietersen's long-term international future is in doubt despite naming him in the provisional 30-man ICC World Twenty20 squad.

England has time to take a final decision on Pietersen as the squad for the World Twenty20 tournament in Bangladesh does not have to be finalised for another three weeks.

Ashley Giles, the limited-overs coach, admitted that a period of reflection was needed to digest the Ashes whitewash before any major decisions are taken.

The Telegraph quoted him as saying that at no point it was discussed to leave Pietersen out of the 30 probables.

Pietersen's relationship with Andy Flower is said to be have broken down but he remains on good terms with Giles.

Pietersen's future in international cricket remains shrouded in doubt, even though he finished the whitewash as England's top scorer, and although team director Andy Flower denied reports that he had issued a 'KP or me' ultimatum, he has not backed the star publicly.

England's final 15 for the World Twenty20 will be chosen at the end of the T20 series against Australia on Feb 2.