Kevin Pietersen: Let me face England

Former skipper has offered services to Prime Minister's XI

Kevin Pietersen of the Melbourne Stars leaves the field after getting out during the Big Bash League match between the Adelaide Strikers and Melbourne Stars last week (GETTY IMAGES)

Kevin Pietersen has made a cheeky offer to play against England next week during their tour of Australia.

The international outcast has offered his services to the Prime Minister’s XI who are due to play England in Canberra on Wednesday as a warm-up before the tri-series against India and Australia, following the withdrawal of Mike Hussey with 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 players’ microphone while playing for Melbourne Stars in the Big Bash. Commentator Adam Gilchrist, the former Australia wicketkeeper, asked: “Are you telling us you’re available?” Pietersen replied: “Mate, I’m always available.”

Earlier, in an interview with Australian media to preview the Stars’ game against the Renegades, Pietersen repeated his criticism of former international colleagues, suggesting he was the victim of professional jealousy.

The 34-year-old, who was sacked by England almost a year ago, used his autobiography to claim there was a bullying culture in the dressing room. Pietersen covets a recall, but was once again busy settling old scores yesterday. He claimed his lucrative Indian Premier League contract caused resentment and he preferred playing in the Big Bash, 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.

“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.”