KP would ‘absolutely love’ an England spot
Former England batsman Kevin Pietersen has still not given up hope of a recall to the national side, and says he still hopes to be part of the World Twenty20 in March, however slim the chance.
Pietersen has not played for England in two years, and has effectively retired, but despite leaving the team in acrimonious circumstances, he feels his form is still good enough for a call up.
He has become a T20 specialist since leaving the England team, making big scored for the Dolphins in South Africa, the Zouks in the CPL, and the Melbourne Stars in the Big Bash League.
Pietersen, who scored 74 in the BBL final recently, wrote in his column in the Telegraph of playing at the WT20: "The truth is, I would absolutely love to.
"I feel I am in the best form of my life and it would be an honour to represent the country alongside the fantastic group of players we have got in our side.
"From what I hear, Trevor Bayliss is a great coach and the environment within the team, and the way they approach one-day cricket, is absolutely spot on.
"If they pick me I will do my job: score runs and help the youngsters. I have been working with the young guys at the Melbourne Stars and I would love to do the same with our boys.
"I know I am good enough to play but I have no clue if they will pick me. If they do fantastic, if they do not then I will just carry on as normal and support the guys."
Pietersen then lamented the England domestic T20 event, as it's not played all at once in a six week window, but rather spread over the season, and said he couldn't play in it as a result.
He added: "Unfortunately I find the NatWest Blast is spread over too long a time for me to get any consistency and it is a shame our county game does not have a competition similar to the Big Bash.
"Cricket Australia has done an amazing job promoting the tournament. The tickets are not expensive, hence the huge crowds. They market the competition very well and the standard is high.
"It is shown on terrestrial television and the product each franchise put together is special in terms of marketing and the way they go about their business."
Latest
-
NewsZak Crawley rediscovers form as Kent’s clash with Northamptonshire is drawn
Crawley started the week averaging under 20 in this season’s LV= Insurance County Championship.
-
NewsIndia recall Cheteshwar Pujara for rescheduled Test against England
The 34-year-old has scored four hundreds in eight innings for Sussex this season.
-
NewsKeith Barker blows away Somerset to help Hampshire to victory
The visitors needed just one run in their second innings to seal victory.
-
NewsCraig Overton claims 400th first-class wicket in Somerset-Hampshire clash
The England seamer’s three-wicket burst left the contest delicately balanced at the halfway stage.
-
NewsThree positive Covid tests confirmed in New Zealand’s tour party
Batter Henry Nicholls, seamer Blair Tickner and bowling coach Shane Jurgensen will self-isolate for five days.
-
NewsZak Crawley outdone by Ben Compton as Kent start strongly at Northamptonshire
Opener Compton stole the show with an unbeaten 125.
-
NewsMark Wood admits frustration over slow progress from elbow surgery
Wood is targeting a Test return towards the back end of the summer.
-
NewsMcCullum hopes ‘attractive brand of Test cricket’ can see red-ball game thrive
New head coach Brendon McCullum is looking to transform England’s fortunes.
-
NewsEffects of lockdown on bowlers may be playing part in spate of stress fractures
In the past week Jofra Archer, Saqib Mahmood and Matthew Fisher have all been ruled out for the season with lower back injuries.
-
NewsBen Stokes to be subject of Amazon documentary created by Sam Mendes
The 30-year-old will open up on his World Cup and Headingley heroics as well as his off-the-field troubles.