Pietersen holds his nerve

Kevin Pietersen underlined his worth to the England cause with a match-winning half-century in the World Twenty20 warm-up clash against Scotland.

Pietersen, who sat out the NatWest Series triumph over West Indies with an Achilles injury, marked his return to the side by shepherding England to a six-wicket win under the Trent Bridge floodlights.

His unbeaten 53 saw them to a far from daunting target of 137 with an over to spare, easing the nerves caused by a minor wobble at the top of the order.

Pietersen’s innings, which spanned just 39 balls, will share the morning headlines with Scotland’s dogged resistance, but Eoin Morgan deserves his share of the credit for making a mature 23 not out.

details in: ECB