Renegade batsman Kevin Pietersen has made himself available ‘anytime’ to play against England in one of their warm-up games for the TriSeries against Australia and India.
England are due to face a Prime Minister’s XI in Canberra on Wednesday, and Pietersen has declared he wants to be considered for selection.
The former England captain, who was axed from the side by the ECB following the disastrous Ashes tour of 2013-14, is playing for the Melbourne Stars in the Twenty20 Big Bash.
The Prime Minister’s XI for the game has already been selected by Cricket Australia officials, but a space has become available after Michael Hussey missed out.
While fielding in a game against the Melbourne Renegades on Saturday, Pietersen was asked by commentator Adam Gilchrist whether he would be interested in playing.
Pietersen replied: “In the Prime Minister’s game on Wednesday, Mr Michael Hussey’s missed out? Jeez, I fancy that.’
Gilchrist responded, ‘Are you telling us you are available?’
‘Mate, I’m always available,’ said Pietersen.
The South African-born batsman, who has been forthright in his criticism of his former team-mates in his autobiography, also said the England players were jealous of his earning power in the IPL, and that he loves the Big Bash League above all others.
‘There’s no jealousy here. That’s the fact,’ he said.
‘The England lads: too much jealousy. I was the only one profiting – very, very well – out of India, and in an auction, if you don’t get picked up, it’s pretty demoralising.’
‘None of these guys are jealous of anything. We’re just good guys, hanging out and playing cricket.’
Pietersen scored 49 in a partnership of 120 with Glenn Maxwell (66) in a Stars record third-wicket partnership of 120 in the game, contributing to a target of 154. They won on a controversial run-out call off the last ball.
