LONDON, Feb 5: Kevin Pietersen could be set to make a surprise return to England's one-day team, just three weeks after breaking a rib while batting against Glenn McGrath in the opening match of the tri-series at Melbourne.

Pietersen, who was criticised by Australia's former captain, Allan Border, for ‘getting on the plane before the X-ray was back,’ is an outside bet for a recall should England win their make-or-break encounter with New Zealand and qualify for the finals against Australia.

Asked if there were plans for Pietersen to return, an England official told reporters in Australia: “No, not at the moment, but that may be re-assessed if we beat New Zealand.”

The statement follows the assertion of England's wicketkeeper, Paul Nixon, who said last week, before England's crucial win over Australia: “He (Pietersen) was very keen to possibly get back for the finals.”

The news, if true, is a double boost for an England team that claims to have discovered a new lease of life as an arduous tour draws to a close.

On Sunday it was confirmed that the captain, Michael Vaughan, has recovered from a hamstring injury sustained in Hobart and is ready to lead the team in their must-win match against Stephen Fleming’s New Zealand side in Brisbane on Tuesday.—Agencies