Advertisement

Pietersen not ruling out South Africa switch

Kevin Pietersen has refused to rule out return to Test cricket with his native South Africa. Credit: PA

Former England batsman Kevin Pietersen has refused to rule out a spectacular return to Test cricket with his native South Africa.

Born in Pietermaritzburg, Pietersen left South Africa 16 years ago and scored 8,181 runs at an average of 47.28 in 104 Tests for England after making his debut during the 2005 Ashes.

He was sacked by England in 2014 following the Ashes whitewash in Australia, becoming a much-travelled Twenty20 specialist as a result.

Pietersen would be eligible to play for South Africa in 2018 despite recent reservations from Faf du Plessis.

In February the Proteas' T20 skipper pointed out Pietersen was 'English' when asked about the possibility of him representing the country of his birth.

But in quotes on Cricket Australia's website, Pietersen said: "Yes, it is a thought in my head.

"If it happens, it happens, if it doesn't, it doesn't. Obviously, playing international is something I have done for a very long time.

"Do I miss playing international cricket? Do I miss batting in international cricket? Yes I do, very much, so you never know.

"The eligibility for South Africa is still (over) a year away. So we will have to wait and see but (an England call-up) is definitely still an option."