KP hints at World Cup tilt with South Africa

Kevin Pietersen said he has not ruled out resurrecting his international career with his native South Africa even though he'll be pushing 40 when he requalifies.

The 37-year-old batter would become eligible to play for the Proteas in 2019 – ahead of the next 50-over World Cup – having not been selected for England after being sacked in the aftermath of the 2013-14 Ashes defeat in Australia.

"I'm going to be playing a lot of cricket in South Africa over the next two years, so we'll see.

Quick Single: KP vindicated for role as Twenty20 pioneer

"I love batting: I will bat for as long as I love the art of batting. I do at the moment, but I'm an old man now, I've just hurt my calf, I didn't field.

"Who knows where I'll be in two years' time? If I enjoy batting, we'll see where I get to. I'm in a very happy place."

Pietersen is in the process of relocating his family back to South Africa, and is building a luxurious lodge in a private estate on the edge of the Kruger National Park.

In recent times he has become a fierce campaigner for animal rights, particularly for the conservation efforts for rhinos and to end animal poaching in Africa.

South Africa have an unenviable record of near misses at World Cups, a hoodoo that continued in the recent 50-over Champions Trophy tournament.

Quick Single: History of South African heartbreak

With AB de Villiers unequivocal about his desire to play in – and win – the 2019 World Cup, the Proteas may be open to a return by Pietersen. In a line-up featuring class batters such as Faf du Plessis, Quinton de Kock and David Miller, Pietersen would add experience and a big-game mentality that could help the side overcome the final hurdle.

At The Oval and wielding his customised rhino-themed Spartan bat, Pietersen hit four sixes in an over on his way to 52 off 35 balls in a Surrey total of 9-150 on Wednesday. In reply, Essex were restricted to 7-140.

Pietersen, who suffered a calf injury which prevented him from fielding, was playing his first English domestic match for nearly two years.

He had a lucky escape in the 10th over when he was dropped by Dan Lawrence off Ashar Zaidi and added 43 with Dominic Sibley.

Pietersen was eventually out in the 16th over, three balls after reaching his 40th half-century in T20 cricket.