Sport

Pietersen wants crack at former teamates

07:10 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. 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.