Published: Jan 26, 2016, 03:36 PM (IST)
Edited: Jan 26, 2016, 03:40 PM (IST)
England batsman Kevin Pietersen, who has been neglected by the selectors for the national team for a long time has expressed his wish to play in ICC World T20 2016. Pietersen has not played a Test since February 2014. His last ODI appearance was against Australia in September 2013. Talking of Twenty20 international (T20I) cricket, he last featured in a T20I was in June 2013. Pietersen is one of the best batsmen to play for England in recent times and it will be interesting to witness if the selectors pick him for the forthcoming esteemed T20I tournament. Although the chance for this happening is bleak, still the probability of him playing again for the English team cannot be ruled out. SCORECARD: South Africa vs England 2015-16, 4th Test at Centurion, Day 4
Pietersen in his column for The Telegraph said, “I want to answer once and for all the questions about me playing for England at the World Twenty20 in March, then leave it there. 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. It would be great to bat in the middle order in any form of cricket with Joe Root and Ben Stokes. England have a chance of winning the World Twenty20 but playing on pitches in the subcontinent is very hard for our batsmen. The reason is that English players do not play enough cricket in Asia, which is where my experience in Twenty20 cricket in India over the last seven or eight years could help as well.” ICC World T20 2016: Kevin Pietersen deserves to be in England’s squad, believes Michael Vaughan
“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. Eoin Morgan is a good friend but the decision will be taken out of his hands. 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.”
