Kevin Pietersen’s recent comments about donning the South African colors for the 2019 World Cup have sent shockwaves across the cricketing fraternity. The outspoken and exiled England star made his comments in a radio chat recently and expressed his desire to represent South Africa in the next World Cup. Being a South African by birth, the eligibility will be well taken care off before the main tournament commences.
Pietersen’s rather eventful career had met with an abrupt end post the 2013/14 Ashes Down Under when Australia massacred England 5-0. Post the disastrous Test series, the flamboyant batsman, despite being the side’s leading run getter in the series, was booted out and his contract was terminated following a fall out with then coach Andy Flower and skipper Alastair Cook.
Since then, Pietersen has expressed his will to play for the nation of his birth. “I am still playing some of the best cricket of my career,” said Pietersen.”I am fitter than I even was when I was playing for England. As long as I am fit and enjoying batting I will play on.””I’m building a house in the Kruger National Park so all of next summer I will be at my house in South Africa – so I won’t be playing in England.”
Not so long ago, in a conversation with cricket.com.au, Pietersen had echoed in his wish to resume his international career. “It is a thought in my head. If it happens, it happens; if it doesn’t, it doesn’t,” he told sadi.”Obviously, playing international cricket 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.”An English call-up is definitely still an option. I am in a great frame of mind now.”