Kevin Pietersen can still make a comeback: Monty Panesar

Kevin Pietersen

The South Africa-born batsman was sensationally sacked in the wake of a 5-0 drubbing by Australia Down Under, with one of the most charismatic enigmas in international cricket bearing the brunt of the blame for such a sorry shambles.

England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) chairman Giles Clarke said this past week the Barmy Army must “move on” from the “brave decision” to oust ‘KP’ as there is simply “no way back” for him.

However, with uncertainty still surrounding the identity of Andy Flower’s replacement as head coach and – thus – his exact plans for the team, Pietersen may still be reintegrated into the fray for a second time.

“You never know with these things,” Panesar explained. “I hope he plays four-day cricket for Surrey, scores a lot of runs and then sometimes these issues can be dissolved and he could come back and play for England. Things could take a different tack.

“He (Pietersen) helped me with my self-belief. When I first came into international cricket, I was kind of a shy bloke and he’s hugely confident and used to always say: ‘Believe in yourself and back yourself.’

“We had a really good relationship together and we’re still good friends.”

Pietersen’s future could well preoccupy Flower’s eventual successor, with the most likely contender at the moment appearing to be former England spinner Ashley Giles. “It helps if you do have a spinner as the head coach,” the 31-year-old said. “‘Gilo’ (Giles) seems to be the top contender for that job because he’s been part of the England team for the last 12 months.

“He’s been integrated in the whole process. He’s done a good job and he’s a coach with high integrity who is highly regarded amongst the ECB. He seems to be the frontrunner at the moment.”