KP signs as he pushes for Ashes

Kevin Pietersen has taken another step towards a possible return to international cricket for England by signing with his former county, Surrey, today.

Pietersen was released from his Indian Premier League contract with the Sunrisers Hyderabad yesterday, but may have to travel to India should the franchise make the play-offs.

But now the 34-year is back on the English domestic circuit 14-months after he last represented England in the 5-0 Ashes whitewash in Australia.

Writing in his column for the UK's Telegraph, Pietersen revealed his entire Surrey salary will be donated to his foundation.

"I’m absolutely thrilled to be back at Surrey. It’s a club very close to my heart and Alec Stewart, Graham Ford and everyone at the club has been exceptionally supportive," Pietersen said on the club’s website.

"There is a fantastic group of lads here and hopefully we can deliver what the great Surrey fans want to see – lots of runs and comprehensive victories."

The door for an England recall was opened by incoming ECB chairman Colin Graves, who told BBC radio: "The first thing he has to do if he wants to get back is start playing county cricket."

"The selectors and the coaches are not going to pick him if he's not playing, it's as simple as that. I'll leave it at that. 

"At the end of the day it's down to the selectors and coaches and what they feel is best for English cricket. They will make the decisions and I will support their decisions."

With the first step complete, Surrey Director of Cricket and former England captain Alec Stewart says having Pietersen join the senior squad is a 'big boost for the club'.

"A Kevin Pietersen with ambitions to play for England and a real determination to score big runs for Surrey will be a huge asset to us," he said.

Stewart says Pietersen will concentrate on first-class cricket to begin with, but hasn’t ruled out the exiled batsman playing limited-overs cricket for Surrey.

In his explosive autobiography, KP, Pietersen said the England dressing room was dysfunctional, directly attacking former coach Andy Flower and wicketkeeper Matt Prior throughout.

"A lot has been said about my book, but my side of the story had to come out," Pietersen said in his column. 

"To make it clear, I never had any issues with Alastair Cook. 

"I said in my book that I was disappointed he could not look me in the eye during that meeting but there is no issue with me. 

"He is a nice guy. He is one of England’s greatest ever cricketers. He has 25 Test hundreds. Of course I can play with Alastair again.

"I still speak to a lot of the lads on a regular basis and I'm incredibly excited about the young talent we have in the side. 

"Those players, in addition to the experienced guys like Ian Bell and Jimmy Anderson, show we have a team that can get back to the very top."

Whether Pietersen has burned his bridges or merely singed them is yet to be seen, but Stewart is confident his newest recruit will shine in his return to The Oval.

“I’ll always judge people how I find them, how they’ve been in and around us,” Stewart said

“Kevin’s been outstanding. What’s happened elsewhere, that’s for other people to pass comment on.

“But when he’s been at Surrey, at the Kia Oval, he’s been outstanding.

“As I say, we’re looking forward to seeing him out in the middle, wearing whites, spending plenty of time with his pads and gloves on, bat in hand showing everyone what a class player he is.” 

Pietersen is available for Surrey’s first four-day clash on April 19 versus Glamorgan in Cardiff.

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