Kevin Pietersen heralds new captain Eoin Morgan and hopes to return to England squad

Kevin Pietersen playing for Melbourne Stars in the Big Bash League match against Adelaide Strikers on Thursday

Former England cricketer Kevin Pietersen has said that he "hopes to play" under new one-day captain Eoin Morgan. The Irish-born 28-year-old was named captain of the England ODI side in a selection committe meeting on Friday, replacing Alastair Cook after a run of poor results.

Eoin Morgan will lead his country for the first time against Australia in early January, and is most likely to continue doing so in the World Cup in February.

Kevin Pietersen seemed to cut of all ties with the ECB and a number of players through his recently released autobiography, and has not played international cricket since last winter’s doomed Ashes Tour. The swashbuckling batsman has not lost touch however – he registered a score of 66 runs off 46 balls in his debut for Melbourne Stars in the Big Bash on Thursday.

In a possible bid to increase his chances of being recalled to the England set-up, the former England captain heaped praises on Eoin Morgan.

Great news that @Eoin16 is new England 1-day captain. Top player, leader and bloke. Hope I get to play for him.

— Kevin Pietersen (@KP24) December 19, 2014