article_snippet: My focus is now very much on the upcoming season in England, and I'm absolutely determined to score as many runs as possible.'
article_snippet: New England and Wales Cricket Board chairman Colin Graves this month revived the record-breaking 34-year-old batsman's hopes of a return to the fold, contrary to the public remarks by anyone else associated with the governing body.
article_snippet: To once again put on that New England shirt would be a privilege and an honour, but now I have to focus on performing domestically and give myself the best possible chance of meriting selection.'
article_snippet: Kevin Pietersen quickly made it clear at the start of this month that Kevin Pietersen was delighted to take Graves at Kevin Pietersen word, that the slate will be wiped clean for all under Kevin Pietersen tenure, and Kevin Pietersen has since confirmed Kevin Pietersen has already spoken to the incoming chairman on the telephone.
article_snippet: The controversial South Africa-born batsman has received little encouragement yet from other quarters.
article_snippet: ECB managing director Paul Downton has not shifted from that in the intervening months.
article_snippet: When New England announced their squad last week, to travel under Alastair Cook and without Kevin Pietersen for three Tests in the West Indies, national selector James Whitaker repeated many times that national selector James Whitaker is simply 'not part of our plans'.
highlights_snippet: The 34-year-old is reportedly closing in on Surrey country cricket return .
  
highlights_snippet: CLICK HERE for all the latest county cricket news .