Intro:

Sri Lankan cricket icon Kumar Sangakkara believes the English national side will benefit from the return of batsman Kevin Pietersen.

Script:

SOUNDBITE: Kumar Sangakkara, Sri Lankan cricketer

"Kevin's a wonderful player and it's unfortunate that both him and the English management have not seen eye to eye in the past, but I think Kevin's shown a lot of courage by actually committing to a full county season in every format to try and make a comeback. And I think England will be much the better, much the richer for Kevin being a part of the English side going forward."

SOUNDBITE: Kumar Sangakkara, Sri Lankan cricketer

"A player of Kevin's ability not to play international cricket for his country is a shame, but also looking at the England side I think he has so much to offer them that I think the way forward is to ensure that they come to an agreement that allows Kevin to have a very fruitful few years playing for England, and England will reap the benefits of him playing."