Kevin Pietersen gave England’s selectors a reminder of what they are missing – scoring 66 from 46 balls on his debut for Melbourne Stars in the Big Bash on Thursdayyesterday.Having been released from his contract with the Indian Premier League side Delhi Daredevils earlier in the week, Pietersen showed he is in decent form in the first match of the tournament against Adelaide Strikers as his side posted 148 for seven from their 20 overs.
After a slow start, before the opener Cameron White was dismissed for six, Pietersen came to the crease with his former England team-mate Luke Wright in the fourth over. Having got off the mark with a single, the 34-year-old then launched Ben Laughlin for a six over the fine-leg boundary with the final ball of the over.
He went on to hit another three sixes and reached his half-century off 41 balls before being caught by Johan Botha off the bowling of Kane Richardson in the final over.
Pietersen’s performance did not go unnoticed by his former England captain Michael Vaughan. “A lad called Kevin playing in Aussie could improve @ECB_cricket World Cup Chances..... #justsaying,” he tweeted.
A lad called Kevin playing in Aussie could improve @ECB_cricket World Cup Chances..... #justsaying
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) December 18, 2014
A poll conducted by Australian televison during the game found that 72% of viewers believe Pietersen should play in next year’s World Cup. Asked by the commentator Adam Gilchrist whether he would like to be considered, he replied: “Someone told me the England selectors are meeting today. I hope they’ve got a screen on.”
Gilchrist responded: “We know this series is watched heavily in the UK, so there’s every chance.”
Pietersen’s innings ended up being in vain, however, as Strikers cruised to their target in 12.2 overs for the loss of two wickets. The opener Tim Ludeman ended on 92 not out from 44 balls having set a record for the quickest half-century in the competition’s history – from 18 balls.
