It is unfortunate that Kevin Pietersen is not playing for England anymore: Mahela Jayawardene

Jayawardene wants Pietersen back in England team

Mahela Jayawardene has backed Kevin Pietersen (KP) for his return to the England national squad. The two will be clashing tomorrow in NatWest T20 Blast tournament as Sussex take on Surrey.

Former Sri Lanka great thinks KP is at his highest level and England should not waste the chance to pick a talent like him.

“I haven’t played against Kevin for quite a while so I am looking forward to it. He is a fantastic player and it is unfortunate he is not playing for England anymore," Jayawardene was quoted as saying by The Argus.

“I still believe he has a lot of cricket left in him at the highest level so it is a tough call to decide you are not going to pick a talented guy like him."

Jayawardene added saying that he would have had KP in the Ashes team, it would help the youngsters in the team so much because of his experience he carries.

“I would probably have him in the team for the Ashes. It would be a win-win situation as if England did well then great and if not they could move on without Kevin after the Ashes.

"Just his experience would be important. The young guys would learn so much from him and it would take the pressure off the other experienced players a little bit.”

The England cricket board's new director Andrew Strauss has maintained his stern call on Pietersen saying that they have "massive trust issue".

The 34-year-old, who last played for his national team in 2014 against Australia, has represented England in 104 Test matches, scoring 8181 runs at an average of 47.28.