Kevin Pietersen has cheekily offered to play against England for the Australian Prime Minister’s XI in Canberra, saying he is keen to replace Mike Hussey, who has a calf injury.
“In the Prime Minister’s game on Wednesday, Mr Michael Hussey’s missed out. Jeez, I fancy that,” Pietersen said on the microphone while playing for Melbourne Stars in the Big Bash.
Adam Gilchrist, the former Australia wicketkeeper commentating on TV, asked: “Are you telling us you’re available?”
Pietersen replied: “Mate, I’m always available.”
Pietersen went on to hit a run-a-ball 49 in his team’s thrilling last-ball victory against the Melbourne Renegades.
Andrew Flintoff, who is playing for Brisbane Heat in the Big Bash, responded to Pietersen’s comments on Twitter: “If KP24 plays for the primeministers XI they’ll need a turnstile at the bowlers end, they’ll be queuing up.”
Earlier Pietersen, sacked by England almost a year ago, repeated his criticism of his former international colleagues, suggesting he was the victim of professional jealousy.
The 34-year-old was sacked by England almost a year ago, but has been on hand with regular barbs ever since a confidentiality agreement between the two parties expired.
His explosive autobiography included many unhappy reflections on his international career, not to mention claims of a bullying dressing-room culture.
Pietersen supposedly covets an unlikely Three Lions recall, but the South African-born batsman again used the press conference as a chance to settle scores with his former team-mates.
He claimed his lucrative Indian Premier League contract caused resentment and he preferred playing in the Big Bash League, where many players participate in franchise cricket in other countries.
“There’s no jealousy here. That’s the fact,” he said of life with the Stars. “None of these guys are jealous of anything. We’re just good guys, hanging out and playing cricket. All these guys play in franchises around the world, they’ve all benefited from the IPL.
“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.”