KP: I shouldn't be on the beach

Cape Town - Kevin Pietersen has weighed in on England's selection woes ahead of the third Ashes Test.

England suffered a crushing 405-run defeat at Lord's, which helped Australia level the series at 1-1, after their batsmen failed to cope with the Australian pace attack.

During the second Test, the hosts were 29/3 in their first innings and then 42/3 in the second knock before eventually completing their humiliating collapse to end on 103 all out.

England have now lost their first three wickets for 52 runs or fewer on eight occasions in seven Tests and their former star has, once again, thrust himself into the spotlight by suggesting he should be in the squad for the series because he is "batting as well as ever".

KP, who averages 47.28 in 104 Test matches, last played for England against Australia in the Boxing Day Test in January 2014.

The 35-year-old says it is a waste that he was on holiday and not preparing to face Australia with the England team.

Pietersen took to Twitter on Monday evening to air his views after admitting to being "deep in thought" while on vacation in Miami.

Deep in thought right now...ridiculous that I'm lying on a beach when I should be in UK prepping for the 3rd Test! So silly really! Sad! ????

— Kevin Pietersen (@KP24) July 20, 2015

KP then followed that message by tweeting:

Batting as well as ever & the team have huge issues with top order! What a waste, just lying on a beach! I wish I could help! ????

— Kevin Pietersen (@KP24) July 20, 2015

The South African-born star ended his say on the matter by tweeting:

So, so, so, so silly! ????

— Kevin Pietersen (@KP24) July 20, 2015