Kevin Pietersen joins Surrey in attempt to reignite England recall hopes

Kevin Pietersen has ramped up efforts to earn an England recall in time for the Ashes by joining Surrey for the English domestic season.

The 34-year-old could feature in all forms of cricket and is available for the opening County Championship match of the season against Glamorgan on 19 April.

Pietersen initially moved to the Kia Oval club in 2010 but his appearances have been limited due to his international career and his commitments with the Indian Premier League.

But after agreeing to be released from his IPL contract with Sunrisers Hyderabad until the knockout phase of the competition, Pietersen will be available for the start of Surrey's four-day season in a last-ditch attempt to reignite his England hopes.

New England and Wales Cricket Board chairman Colin Graves has told Pietersen he must start playing country cricket to be reconsidered following his sacking after the 2013-14 Ashes series and was left out of the three-Test tour of the West Indies starting in April.

England's most capped Test player and Surrey director of cricket Alec Stewart said: "He has ambitions to play for England and to do that he has to score big runs and that is why we have signed him. Whether he gets picked it is in the hands of the selectors.

"Kevin has been outstanding [in the dressing room]. What has happened elsewhere is for other people to pass comment on. We're looking forward to seeing him in the middle."

England face New Zealand in two Tests at Lord's (21-25 May) and Headingley (29 May-2 June) before taking on Australia in the Ashes in the fulcrum of the cricketing summer.