Batsman Kevin Pietersen has signed a full central contract with the England and Wales Cricket Board.
The news of Pietersen's deal is a boost to England's hopes of retaining the Ashes and signals his intention to play in all three formats of the game.
England's limited-overs coach Ashley Giles confirmed that Pietersen had signed a full contract ahead of the team's five-match one-day series against India.
"Kevin has now signed up fully and is fully back on board. It's great news," Giles said.
"Whatever happened in 2012, we're moving into a new year.
It's great for me to have him, his experience in this part of the world is invaluable."
The 32-year-old had been on a short-term contract that was due to expire later this month after a series of issues in 2012.
Initially, Pietersen announced his retirement from limited-overs internationals in mid-year, citing a disagreement with the ECB's policy that any centrally contracted player must make himself available for all formats of the game.
More drama was to follow as Pietersen was dropped from the Test team after it was alleged he sent text messages to players within the South African camp that insulted his team-mates.
A fallout saw Pietersen on the sidelines before clear-the-air meetings were successful and he was recalled for a four-Test series of India.
And as he has done so many times in his career, the South African-born batsman delivered when he needed to most.
A swashbuckling 186 in the second Test, which England won by 10 wickets, helped turn the tour around as Alastair Cook's side won the series 2-1.
Pietersen has scored 22 Test centuries in his 92 matches, notching 7414 runs at an average of 49.42.
The first one-day international between England and India begins on Friday in Rajkot.