Won't be surprised if Kevin Pietersen makes Ashes return: Michael Clarke

Michael Clarke was speaking after being named Melbourne Stars’ captain for the upcoming BBL

Australia’s Test captain Michael Clarke has said that he expects Kevin Pietersen to return to the England fold for the Ashes which is due to take place in July and August this year. The recent World Cup-winning captain added that Pietersen’s return could come in the way of them retaining the coveted urn.

Pietersen, 34, was controversially sacked after England’s humiliating 5-0 defeat in the last Ashes series, in Australia. However, the South African-born batsman has been given hope of making a comeback into the England set-up after a change in the England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) hierarchy which saw Colin Graves replacing Giles Clarke as the ECB chairman. The fact that he then scored 170 for Surrey on his return to county cricket is only going to help his chances.

After being named the captain of the Melbourne Stars for the upcoming Big Bash League (BBL) season, he said, "I do think he could be at the Ashes.

"His form, he's showed that, he's certainly scoring enough runs. He's made it very clear he wants to play and now it will come down to the England selectors.

"At the moment, from the Australians' perspective, I'm happy if he's not playing because he's a wonderful player."

Clarke and Pietersen will be playing alongside each other at the Melbourne Stars. The bonhomie between the two was evident on Twitter earlier today, with England’s highest ever run-scorer expressing his delight at the prospect of playing with the Australian in the BBL.

“It's going to be nice to be on the same side," Clarke said when asked about playing with Pietersen.

“He's a wonderful player and has been great for the Melbourne Stars. To have that luxury as captain to have a player like that in your team is extremely exciting and I know he'll play a big part is us having success."

Clarke further added that he hasn’t thought about returning to play in the Indian Premier League (IPL), where he last played for Pune Warriors India in 2012.