7 Aug 2012

Pietersen hints at Test cricket retirement

12:45 pm on 7 August 2012

The England cricket star Kevin Pietersen has dropped a bombshell by suggesting that the third and final Test against South Africa might be his last.

After winning the man-of-the-match award in the drawn second Test at Headingley after a superb innings of 149, Pietersen said he can't rule out that the next Test may be his last.

Pietersen's future was a major issue before the series began against the Proteas.

He has already announced his retirement from from one-day international cricket, amid speculation he wanted to be available for a full Indian Premier League programme, while still representing England, and to play in the Twenty/20 World Cup in September.

South Africa, gunning for England's world No.1 Test ranking, are 1-0 up in the series after the second Test draw.

The third Test starts at Lord's on Friday week.