Let's talk about Kevin

The dust has settled, conversations have taken place, compromises have been met, and the outcome is one that all England cricket fans should be happy with...Kevin Pietersen is, as I type, on his way to Mumbai.

Whatever your opinion on Kevin Pietersen, it's undeniable that above all, he is the most naturally gifted cricketer in the England side, possibly in the world. On ability he would comfortably walk into any team in the world in any format, and there is only a handful of current players you could say that about.

The news of KP's inclusion would have been music to one persons ears in particular. New captain Alastair Cook will be keen to make a winning impression stepping into the shoes of one of the most successful and popular England test captains of all time, and his task has been made much easier with Kevin Pietersen available for selection.

So how does Kevin help to balance England's team in India?

His experience is invaluable. Batting in India isn't for the faint hearted, the fans are passionate and create a cauldron in favour of the home team, one sign of vulnerability and you'll do well to reach double-figures. KP isn't exactly a stranger to batting in Indian conditions, but I won't go into that as I'm keen to keep this an IPL-free zone!

Batting at four, he is link between the top and middle orders, and that middle order is likely to be inexperienced consisting of names such as Morgan, Bairstow and Compton. Who better for those aspiring test cricketers to partner than one of the best players in the world?

Then there's his hidden weapon that is a captains go-to option; his off-spin. In India, this is likely to be extremely helpful for Cook when the seamers need a break from bowling with an orange in the extreme heat on a flat deck, a double-spinning option of Swann and Pietersen is a luxury for the new skipper. Without KP, a specialist spinner such as Panesar or Briggs would have to be considered, or alternatively an all-rounder like Patel, but a batsman won't need to be make way with KP in the fold.

One man gives this side a much more balanced look. Not forgetting the presence and 'fear-factor' that he brings. Kevin Pietersen is a match-winner, and every opposition knows it.

Like him or love him, it's great for cricket that Kevin Pietersen is playing in this series, because he is certainly box office and England are a stronger team with him at 4. He's a great advert for test cricket and I'm sure that the cricket-mad Indian fans are looking forward to watching him as much as the England ones. Let the series and the 4am starts begin!