Kevin Pietersen eyes international comeback with South Africa

The 37-year-old Kevin Pietersen will be eligible to play for South Africa in 2019 – ahead of the ICC ODI World Cup. It can be noted that Pietersen has not been selected for England after being sacked following the 2013-14 Ashes defeat in Australia. However, with South Africa still open to him, the batsman has a good chance to revive his international career. But that will be when he is almost 40-years old.

The batsman is currently moving back to his native country where he is building a new luxurious lodge for the family. He has been also busy campaigning for animal rights and in particular the conservation of rhinos in Africa.

Speaking to cricket.com.au, Pietersen said that he will be playing much cricket for South Africa the next two years, and he will keep playing for as long as he enjoys it, “I’m going to be playing a lot of cricket in South Africa over the next two years, so we’ll see. I love batting: I will bat for as long as I love the art of batting. I do at the moment, but I’m an old man now, I’ve just hurt my calf, I didn’t field. Who knows where I’ll be in two years’ time? If I enjoy batting, we’ll see where I get to. I’m in a very happy place.” He told.

Back to English domestic cricket 

On Wednesday, he hit 52 off 35 balls, which included four sixes in a game for Surrey. This was also his first English domestic match for nearly two years. “Thanks guys! So excited to be back playing in England for one final time! End of a chapter, but been a fun one…” he tweeted saying.

South Africa will be very eager to win the 2019 World Cup since they have not won an ICC tournament after the inaugural Champions Trophy edition. If Pietersen doesn’t call curtains on his career until then, will his presence change the fortunes of the Proteas?