Kevin Pietersen is open to the possibility of making an international return with South Africa after being frozen out by England.

The 35-year-old has not represented England in any form of cricket since the 2013-14 Ashes despite continuing to score runs around the world in Twenty20 competitions.

Since that Ashes whitewash Pietersen and officials from the England and Wales Cricket Board have had a fractured relationship, although the batsman maintains his desire to feature for them again.

However, the South African-born player has hinted he could be tempted to play for the Proteas once he becomes eligible in 2018.

"Yes, it [playing for South Africa] is a thought in my head," he said.

"If it happens, it happens, if it doesn't, it doesn't. Obviously, playing international is something I have done for a very long time. 

"Do I miss playing international cricket? Do I miss batting in international cricket? Yes I do very much so you never know.

"The eligibility for South Africa is still [over] a year away. So we will have to wait and see but it [an England call-up] is definitely still an option.

"I am in a great frame of mind now. I enjoy myself and don't take life too seriously. I still train hard and love batting, I love practicing my batting, I love the art of batting. 

"It may not guarantee me getting runs, but it gives me a good chance to get runs. I am very lucky that I have played international cricket for 10 years and over 100 Test matches."

Pietersen scored 8,181 runs for England in 104 Tests – at an average of 47.28 – adding 4,440 and 1,176 in one-day internationals and T20s respectively.