Ousted Pietersen has hope of way back into fold

The incoming chairman of the England and Wales Cricket Board, Colin Graves, has told Pietersen he has to play county cricket if he harbours any hopes of an England return, and that could mean abandoning commitments to play in the Indian Premier League and Caribbean Premier League.

Pietersen has not played for England since a parting of the ways in the wake of the calamitous 2013-14 Ashes tour, but his name continues to cast a shadow over the side.

England’s continued struggles in the short-form of the game prompt many to call for his return, even after the fall-out of his controversial autobiography which made several claims about the culture of the England dressing room.

Outgoing Yorkshire chairman Graves said in a radio interview yesterday: “The first thing he has to do if he wants to get back is start playing county cricket. The selectors and the coaches are not going to pick him if he’s not playing, it’s as simple as that. I’ll leave it at that.”

Pietersen left Surrey last autumn and is currently without a county contract, but Graves has given the 34-year-old food for thought.

“I was pleasantly surprised this morning actually,” said Pietersen.

“The previous chap (former ECB chairman Giles Clarke) was clearly (saying) that I’d been banned from playing for England and that I would never play for England again, which for me was incredibly sad because I do feel my England career was cut short and taken away from me.

“It’s come as a pleasant surprise but it’s one that I’ll obviously need to have a think through. I’ll definitely want to speak to the ECB. Let’s be clear: I’d love to play for England again.

“I’m sure that if it is genuine, which I’m sure it is seeing as it’s pretty public, then – goodness – I’d love to be given that opportunity again.

“I’ll need to go away and make a few decisions. I’ll need to speak to a few people. I’ve spoken to a couple already this morning. I’ll need to go away now and see where my future lies. But it is really, really encouraging.”

When Graves was pushed for an answer on whether he would approve of a Pietersen return, he said: “At the end of the day it’s down to the selectors and coaches and what they feel is best for English cricket.

“They will make the decisions and I will support their decisions.”