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KP commits future to England

London - England star Kevin Pietersen on Saturday committed his future to England, just days after dropping a bombshell by suggesting that the third and final Test against South Africa might be his last.

In an interview posted on YouTube Pietersen insisted: "I want to commit to all forms of cricket for England, because I love playing cricket for England.

"I'm not going anywhere - I want to commit to all forms of cricket for England because I love playing for England," added Pietersen, who explained he wanted to provide "confirmation and clarity" regarding his situation.

On Monday he had stated: "I can't rule out that my next Test may be my last," after winning the man of the match award in the drawn second Test at Headingley after a superb innings of 149, which he followed up by taking three wickets.

South African-born Pietersen's future had been a major issue before the series against the Proteas began.

The 32-year-old had already announced his retirement from one-day international cricket, amid speculation he wanted to be available for a full Indian Premier League programme while still playing for England and play in the upcoming World Twenty20 in September.

He also intimated Monday that "there are other points I am trying to sort out in the dressing room.

"There are a lot of other issues. It's absolutely 100 percent not a money issue. You'll find out soon enough, not tonight. It will be a lot clearer after the next Test match."

Pietersen had explained Monday that "it's tough for me playing for England," while blasting what he suggested were media leaks about his negotiations with the England and Wales Cricket Board leading into the series.

He insisted he did not say "a single word to a single journalist about anything that was spoken about behind closed doors, that I thought were closed doors."

South Africa, gunning for England's world number one Test side position, are currently 1-0 up in the series after Monday's second Test draw. The third Test starts at Lord's on August 16.

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