Kevin Pietersen believes he has done enough to earn back his England place after he scored an unbeaten 326 on the same day he is due to meet with new director of cricket Andrew Strauss.
The 34-year-old is meeting with his former captain, who is scheduled to face the media tomorrow, for what he described as a ‘private matter’.
The innings – a career best score which included 34 fours and 14 sixes – came as Surrey built up a 236-run first-innings lead at stumps on day two of their County Championship match against Leicestershire at the Kia Oval.
“Today was a real big day for my career,” said Pietersen.
“A lot of people put me under a lot of pressure this morning. With that pressure I think that was one of my best innings I’ve ever played.
“That’s purely because I knew that tomorrow there is a press conference and I knew that there were things happening this evening.
“I knew I had to basically answer any questions with runs on the board. And my goodness – 326 is a pretty good argument.”
After the dismissals of ECB managing director Paul Downton and England head coach Peter Moores, it appears the opportunity for a dramatic KP return to international cricket is increasingly likely.
National selector James Whitaker will meet interim coach Paul Farbrace on Thursday to discuss selection for England’s opening home test of the summer against New Zealand at Lord’s starting on May 21.
“Strauss has come in, the new chairman comes in on Friday or Saturday and there will be new coach – it’s an interesting time,” said Pietersen.
“All I’ve been asked to do by the chairman elect is to get a county and to get runs. I’ve got a county and I’ve got runs – what more can I do.
“I do believe I am good enough to play for England. I played well in the Big Bash, I gave up a contract in India and I’m not playing for any money here.
“I am dedicated to getting back my England place. I want my place and I think I deserve it.”
