It’s The Big Show or bust in Cup, says KP

KEVIN Pietersen says if Australia want to defend their crown at next year’s one- day World Cup, they must immediately guarantee Glenn Maxwell his place.

The former England star turned wildlife crusader was in Sydney last night launching his worldwide brand, SORAI, which is on a mission to save rhinos in Africa and India.

Pietersen is one of the most controversial and polarising cricketers of his generation and has been keeping a close eye on Melbourne Stars teammate Maxwell, who has spent a summer on the outer.

On Wednesday night Maxwell made an emphatic statement with a stunning unbeaten Twenty20 hundred against the England side that destroyed Australia in the recent one- day series, for which he was not chosen.

Bringing up the ton with a towering six off the last ball of the match will go down as one of the signature moments of Maxwell’s career and a timely reminder of what he can do.

Maxwell conceded recently he was unsure where he stands in the minds of selectors when it comes to the one- day and Test formats.

Pietersen said this destabilising conjecture must stop now and called on Australia to back in The Big Show.

“I’d sit him down after that knock and I’d tell Glenn Maxwell, ‘ you will play in every single white ball game of cricket we’re going to play over the next 18 months’,” Pietersen said.

“And I’d say, ‘ I want you to keep winning games of cricket for Australia’.

“At the moment, Glenn Maxwell plays under a cloud thinking he might not play the next game and that is no way to play international cricket.

“You need to have the backing of your coach, the backing of your captain.

“You’ve got a World Cup next year. That bloke can win you a World Cup.”

Australia is due to tour Pietersen’s country of birth South Africa next month for a heavyduty Test series.

Pietersen said Australia ought to beware of South Africa’s two wounded stars Dale Steyn and wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock.

Steyn is fighting to come back from a foot injury, and Pietersen said Australia would be secretly hoping the fast bowling great can’t play.

“He’s a fighter and this is a big series for Dale Steyn.”