KP to quit Tests?

Kevin Pietersen has hinted that he might give up Test cricket after next week's final clash with South Africa.

The 32-year-old shocked the cricketing world when he called time on his 50-over international career back in May which effectively ended his time with England's Twenty20 squad as ECB regulations stipulate that a player must be available for both forms of the limited overs game. The South African-born batsman cited possible burn-out as his reasons for quitting ODI cricket and made it clear that he wanted to play Test cricket for many more years. He also made no secret of his desire to carry on playing T20 cricket, with England's defence of their 20-over World Cup title just a few weeks away, but the authorities have stood firm and will not make any exceptions to their rule, leaving Pietersen out of the T20 picture. Whether or not their decision has had any bearing on his latest comments is unknown but when asked if next week's Lord's Test could be his last five-day encounter, Pietersen replied: "Anything's possible. I would like to carry on, but there are obstacles that need to be worked out." The Surrey man's importance to England's Tests side was underlined by his magnificent 149 in the second Test at Headingley, in which he flayed arguably the best attack in world cricket to all parts of Leeds. The ECB have already held discussions with the talented batsman over his playing schedule but there is currently an impasse over several issues and he clearly wants more time off to see his family. That will be difficult given England's schedule over the next two years, with back-to-back Ashes series set to begin next summer in England. A section of the media suggested that his arguments were financially motivated but the former Hampshire right-hander was quick to deny the accusations. "It's absolutely 100% not about money. This is not a money issue," he added. "There are clear things that I'm discussing. But there are other issues that need to be sorted." It is unclear what will happen but KP admits that he does want to continue playing at the top level and will be disappointed if the final showdown with the Proteas is the last time he is seen in an England shirt. "You know what, for me, the saddest part about all this is that the spectators just love watching me play - and I love playing for England," he added. "The politics is what I have to deal with personally. It's tough being me playing for England. "It would be a huge shame. I love playing Test cricket for England, but we'll see. We'll find out at the end of the next Test what has been going on."