Kevin Pietersen: England captain Eoin Morgan would love me in team

http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/jan/13/kevin-pietersen-england-captain-eoin-morgan-squad

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Kevin Pietersen has once again attempted to reignite the debate over his England future by claiming Eoin Morgan, the new one-day captain, would love to have him back in the side.

Almost a year after his sacking by the England and Wales Cricket Board, Pietersen remains a live issue. The 34-year-old has repeatedly stated his desire to return to the team, despite the extensive bridge-burning exercise that was the release of his autobiography last October.

As well as criticising senior ECB management, Pietersen reserved some of his harshest criticism for the former coach Andy Flower, who still holds a senior position within the organisation, and wicketkeeper Matt Prior, a close friend of many of the squad currently in Australia preparing for the Tri-Series.

A month before England’s World Cup campaign starts, the South Africa-born batsman has once more restated his desire to return to the team. And he believes Morgan, who took over the one-day captaincy last month following Alastair Cook’s sacking, may offer him a route back.

Pietersen, speaking to the former Australia captain Ricky Ponting during a Big Bash commentary broadcast, claimed: “I know that the current captain would love to have me in the England team. I get on pretty well with most of the guys in there, if not all of them. I don’t see why [I couldn’t play again].

“I want to play for England. If I get the opportunity to play for England … I’m 34 years of age, Kumar Sangakkara is 38 and has just scored a double hundred.

“I honestly believe I’m batting as well as I’ve ever batted. I’ve got over my knee injury, which was huge – over the last 18 months I’d just hated batting because my knee has been so sore. Given half an opportunity to go and play the way I’m playing at the moment, of course I would.”

The ECB declined on Tuesday to comment when asked by the Guardian to respond to Pietersen’s remarks. But Morgan, who was believed to be a significant ally of the batsman during their time in the England dressing-room, has all but killed any talk of his return.

Asked in Canberra this week if he had inquired about the possibility of recalling Pietersen when he took on the job, Morgan said: “No. The decision was clearly made a year ago that Kevin was not going to be a part of English cricket moving forward.The decision was made quite clear the day I was announced as captain and he didn’t come into it.”

The latest twist to the Pietersen saga comes just days after he put himself forward to play against England for a Prime Minister’s XI in Canberra following the withdrawal of Mike Hussey through injury. Chris Rogers was eventually named as Hussey’s replacement, but it showed the lengths Pietersen is prepared to go to in order to embarrass his former paymaster at the ECB.

Speaking to Ponting on Tuesday, Pietersen again reiterated his claim that he still has no idea why England discarded him last February. “I was sacked – P45,” he said. “I don’t know why I’m not playing for England … I haven’t got a clue.”

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Asked if he has been made aware of any reasons why he was jettisoned, he added: “Never … they’re not allowed to … for legal reasons. They still haven’t embellished on anything.”

Paul Downton, the managing director of England cricket, has repeatedly said there is no way back for Pietersen. But the man who is still England’s record runscorer in international cricket has not given up hope. “I’m not so sure,” said Pietersen.

“There’s been some quotes flying around from the chairman of selectors, the managing director – I don’t think we got off on the best foot. But who knows? Things change.”