Pietersen: England return possible if ECB chief quits
10 Oct 2014 12:33 AM GMT
Thursday saw Pietersen’s controversial autobiography finally go on general sale after days of pre-publicity in which the South Africa-born batsman, England’s leading all-time run-scorer, highlighted a ‘bullying’ culture within the England dressing room and was severely critical of the management methods of former England coach Andy Flower.
It is hard to imagine the circumstances in which Pietersen might make an international return -- not least because he did not play County Championship cricket for Surrey last season. But the 34-year-old has not given up hope and having previously focused much of his ire on Flower and several former team-mates, Thursday saw him turn his attention to Clarke.
‘What would have to happen for me to be recalled by England?’ Pietersen asked in an interview with the London Evening Standard. ‘Clearly, the boss would have to go. Clarke would have to go, and I’ve been hearing that could happen in the next few months. That’s all hearsay, you never know. If there is a change at the top, there is potential, but we will wait and see.’
It was Clarke who oversaw an uncomfortable press conference alongside Pietersen in Colombo in 2012 where he star batsman was formally reintegrated into the England team. That followed a three-month banishment after Pietersen sent text messages critical of then England captain Andrew Strauss to opposition South Africa players during a home series with the Proteas.
It is hard to imagine the circumstances in which Pietersen might make an international return -- not least because he did not play County Championship cricket for Surrey last season. But the 34-year-old has not given up hope and having previously focused much of his ire on Flower and several former team-mates, Thursday saw him turn his attention to Clarke.
‘What would have to happen for me to be recalled by England?’ Pietersen asked in an interview with the London Evening Standard. ‘Clearly, the boss would have to go. Clarke would have to go, and I’ve been hearing that could happen in the next few months. That’s all hearsay, you never know. If there is a change at the top, there is potential, but we will wait and see.’
It was Clarke who oversaw an uncomfortable press conference alongside Pietersen in Colombo in 2012 where he star batsman was formally reintegrated into the England team. That followed a three-month banishment after Pietersen sent text messages critical of then England captain Andrew Strauss to opposition South Africa players during a home series with the Proteas.
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