Kevin Pietersen could play in the Ashes: Michael Clarke

Kevin Pietersen could play in the Ashes: Michael Clarke: Australian captain Michael Clarke has expressed confidence over seeing England batsman Kevin Pietersen taking on his side in the Ashes that is scheduled to begin this July. Clarke has also termed Pietersen as a wonderful player. The England and Wales Cricket Board axed Pietersen after the 5-0 loss to Australia in the 2013-14 Ashes despite finishing the tournament as England’s leading run getter.

Yeah, I do think he could be at the Ashes. He’s scoring enough runs, he’s made it very clear he wants to play and now it will come down to England selectors and the England board making their decision. At the moment from the Australians’ perspective I’m happy he’s not playing because he’s a wonderful player, said Clarke when asked about Pietersen.

Pietersen, in his bid to make a comeback into the national side has withdrawn himself from the Indian Premier League where he was scheduled to represent Sunrisers Hyderabad. He is all set to represent Surrey in the English County matches that begins later today. In the final warmup game for Surrey against Oxford, Pietersen smashed 170 and looked good throughout.

ECB chairman Colin Graves, who is set to take charge next month has spoke in favour of Pietersen. He said a mountain of domestic runs from his bat cannot be ignored.

I’ve been given a lifeline. I really, really like the way that the new bosses are talking, from stuff that you read and stuff that you hear. All I’ve got to do is score runs, told Pietersen after his knock against Oxford.