Former England batsman Kevin Pietersen had not given up hope yesterday of resuming his international career — and feels he still has “four or five years left.”

The 34-year-old was sacked by the England and Wales Cricket Board at the start of the year following the 5-0 Ashes humiliation in Australia and outlined in his subsequent autobiography a number of criticisms of the team.

The opinions expressed in his book will have done nothing to enhance his prospects of an international recall but Pietersen feels he has unfinished business following last winter’s “hammering” down under.

“I know there are a lot of changes that are going to be happening in England in the next three or four months so who knows?” he told Australian media after arriving in Melbourne, where he will play for the Stars in the Big Bash League.

“I know I still have four or five years left.

“Whether I just want to play Twenty20, though, is another thing.

“The next six months, with the changes happening in England, it could be interesting.”

He continued: “I have 8,300 runs — I’d love to get 10,000 Test runs.

“I’d love to beat Australia again. Last time, we got hammered.

“That doesn’t sit well. I’m not a player who likes being hammered — I’m a player who plays to win.”

Pietersen acknowledged one benefit of his international lay-off was that his problematic knee had had plenty of recovery time.

“Having not played Test cricket since January, my body has felt a hell of a lot better,” he said. “I’m feeling good — ready to go.”