Joe Root set to get England call as Kevin Pietersen is left out in the cold The selectors held a seven-hour meeting last week following long discussions with Pietersen, brokered by the Professional Cricketers" Association. He is understood to have met Alastair Cook again before leaving for Sri Lanka to begin his stint as a television analyst and World Twenty20 ambassador for ESPN. But time appears to have run out for England's leading batsman with the management concerned the impact his selection will have on team unity with many still angry over his text message conversations about Strauss with friends in the South African squad. The senior players who have taken a strong stance against Pietersen would see missing a Test tour of India as suitable punishment and it would give him the chance to reflect on the future. There is the possibility England could offer him a central contract to ensure he does not drift out of their control before the tour to New Zealand in February which marks a likely return point, and talks will be ongoing over the next couple of weeks. The selectors have not met since Andy Flower left for Sri Lanka last week suggesting a decision on Pietersen was made. Without him, England appear to have decided their strongest option is to blood a young opener and Compton, as Cook looks for a long-term replacement for Strauss. The alternative is to promote Jonathan Trott, who has indicated a willingness to open, but without Pietersen it would leave the potential for a soft underbelly to England's batting with three relatively inexperienced batsmen at four, five and six. If Root opens with Cook, Trott can remain at three, with Ian Bell at four, although he could miss the second Test in Mumbai due to the birth of his first child which is due on Nov 27. Eoin Morgan was awarded a central contract suggesting he will be part of the squad but his problems against spin earlier this year will be a major concern and a weak point for India to probe. Craig Kieswetter's solid progress in first-class cricket for Somerset this summer, he averaged 50.30 in the County Championship Division One, is set to earn him a crack at a first Test tour as back up for Matt Prior and a potential alternative as a specialist batsman. He is a cricketer comfortable playing shots in the arc from extra cover to midwicket, a key strength on the slow pitches of India, but has to work hard on his concentration levels behind the stumps, particularly if he is to stand up to the rigours of keeping in a five-day Test. Monty Panesar enjoyed another solid season with Sussex taking 53 wickets at 23 but Samit Patel is ahead of him along with James Tredwell who impresses England with his attitude and all-round skills despite a modest return in first class cricket this summer. Probable India tour squad: Alastair Cook Essex Joe Root Yorkshire Jonathan Trott Warwickshire Ian Bell Warwickshire Nick Compton Somerset Eoin Morgan Middlesex Jonny Bairstow Yorkshire Matt Prior Sussex Craig Kieswetter Somerset Samit Patel Notts Graeme Swann Notts Steven Finn Middlesex Tim Bresnan Yorkshire Stuart Broad Notts James Anderson Lancashire Graham Onions Durham