Kevin Pietersen boosts England bid with 170 on Surrey comeback
EXILED batsman Kevin Pietersen issued a timely reminder of his talent yesterday just as England attempt to rediscover form in the first Test against the West Indies in Antigua.
Pietersen boosted his campaign for an international recall more than a year after his sacking by hitting a dazzling 170 in his first match since rejoining Surrey, against Oxford University yesterday. The 34-year-old’s first century innings in any form of cricket since the 2013 Ashes series included 24 fours and two sixes. Surrey declared on 420-7 and Oxford finished day one of three on 28-4.
“I’ve just got to get my head down and bat,” said Pietersen. “That’s all I want to do. If it leads to an England recall then absolutely fantastic.”
England begin the first of two Tests in the Caribbean today seeking a lift in form following a dismal World Cup and with a home Ashes series looming this summer.
Bowler James Anderson is poised to win his 100th Test cap and is just three short of Sir Ian Botham’s England record of 383 Test wickets.