11 Jan 2015

Pietersen wants crack at former teamates

7:10 am on 11 January 2015

The former England batsman Kevin Pietersen says he wants to play against his former team during their upcoming tour of Australia.

England play a Prime Minister's XI in Canberra on Wednesday.

After hearing Mike Hussey was out injured, Pietersen said "Jeez, I fancy that", and added when asked if he was available: "I'm always available."

The 34-year-old subsequently tweeted at the Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbot, writing: "Dear @TonyAbbottMHR - I'm available x."

Pietersen, discarded by England after their 5-0 Ashes defeat last winter, is currently playing for Melbourne Stars in the Big Bash Twenty20 tournament.

Kevin Pietersen is keen to play against his former England teamates.

Kevin Pietersen is keen to play against his former England teamates. Photo: Photosport

The former England captain Andrew Flintoff, who is playing for Brisbane Heat in the Big Bash, responded on social media: "If @KP24 plays for the Prime Minister's XI they'll need a turnstile at the bowlers end, they'll be queuing up."

When Pietersen was informed of Flintoff's tweet, he said: "I wouldn't mind facing Freddie at the moment. He is bowling backwards! I'd bat with a toothpick."

England, who are playing a tri-series with Australia and India, play the hosts in the first one-day international in Sydney on January 16th.

Pietersen's central contract with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) was terminated last February.

Following the tri-series England will begin their World Cup campaign against Australia on February 14th.