Kevin Pietersen commits to England

Kevin Pietersen has committed his future to England and reversed his decision to retire from the one-day format, after issuing a video in a bid to end weeks of speculation about his position in the team.

Following a tense press conference at Headingley last week, Pietersen appeared ready to turn his back on all international cricket and take the $2 million on offer for a full season of IPL cricket next spring. However, that prospect now appears to have receded.

"I want to commit to all forms of cricket for England because I love playing for England," Pietersen said. "I am wanting to play all three forms of cricket again for England: the ODIs against South Africa in a couple of weeks and the T20 World Cup if I am selected. I want to make myself available for every single format of cricket for England.

"I am absolutely not insisting on playing the full IPL season. I am taking that all back. I will not be playing the full IPL. I will come back and play in the Tests against New Zealand next year.

"I've realised what is important to be. I've realised I can be happy. I've realised how much I love playing for England. I've realised that the last three or four days would be a sad way to go after all the happiness I've enjoyed. I'd hate to leave playing for England and I'd hate to leave all the spectators and fans this way.

"The stubbornness I've got sometimes - which is probably not a good thing as well - has led me to try to believe myself for too long and I've got to a point now where I've gone: play for England. This is what you love and this is what I want to do.

"I am fully committed and passionate about playing for England. I want to play for England. That is why I want to get back playing in all three formats of the game for England. I love doing what I do and I don't want to disappoint people.

"I've had a change of heart because of the reasons I stated. I love playing cricket for England. Money is not everything to me. I understand that I have a short career. I can't do this until I'm 40. I have a young family and I'm the provider.

 I need to maximise my opportunities financially in order to have protection in later life. It's not all about money. I love playing for England and the runs I score for England mean so much more to me."

Date: 11/08/2012 21:34:18 by AMiller
In: Today | Sussex | Middlesex |