KP expects to be fit for South Africa Tests

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Pietersen admits he is frustrated by setbacks in his recovery from surgery on his Achilles tendon, but he has not given up hope of being fit in time for the start of a South Africa trip that will feature two Twenty20s, five ODIs and four Tests.

"The time scale is difficult but I will definitely be doing everything I can to get on that first plane to South Africa, which is at the end of October," Pietersen told Sky Sports. "I might be a few days off that but I will certainly be in the Test squad. The one-dayers I am really pushing for but the Twenty20s might be a rush."

The Pietermaritzburg-born batsman is understandably keen to play a part in the tour against a side currently heading the world Test rankings and lying third in the one-day rankings.

"For obvious reasons, it is a very important trip for me," said Pietersen. "For the team as well after the Ashes to take the momentum forwards. We want to have our best team out there."

Pietersen missed the last three Tests of the Ashes series and the one-day series against Australia, and is continuing his rehabilitation while England compete in the Champions Trophy in South Africa.

"I have missed a lot of cricket and it is frustrating now because I just want this right, but I have got to make sure I come back fresh, having recharged my batteries, because the schedule is non-stop," he added.