Pietersen to represent South Africa in 2019?

'I'm going to be playing a lot of cricket in South Africa over the next two years, so we'll see. I love batting. I will bat for as long as I love the art of batting.'

Former England batsman Kevin Pietersen said he has not given up the idea of reviving his international career with his native South Africa even though he would be nearing 40 in 2019 when he re-qualifies.

Pietersen, who has not been selected for England after being sacked in the aftermath of the 2013-14 Ashes defeat in Australia, will become eligible to play for the Proteas in 2019

"You are talking about in two years' time. Would I? Who knows? We'll have to wait and see where I am," Sport24 quoted the 37-year-old as saying.

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

South Africa-born Pietersen scored over 8000 runs in 104 Tests for England at an average of nearly 48 including 23 hundreds.

He also helped England win the 2010 World T20 in the Caribbean.

Image: Kevin Pietersen in action for Surrey during the NatWest T20 Blast match against Essex Eagles at the Oval, in London, on Wednesday.

Photograph: Jordan Mansfield/Getty Images