Kevin Pietersen wants to take on England as part of Prime Minister's XI in Canberra

Kevin Pietersen has pleaded with Australia’s selectors to let him face England this week.

England play a warm-up match against a Prime Minister’s XI in Canberra on Wednesday ahead of the tri-series with India and Australia.

Mike Hussey, who was due to captain the team, looks almost certain to miss the game because of a calf injury.

And Pietersen - unceremoniously dumped by England’s selectors last year following the 5-0 Ashes drubbing in Australia - says he would relish the chance to take them on.

Pietersen was playing for Melbourne Stars in the Big Bash on Saturday morning and had the players’ mic. Whilst talking to Adam Gilchrist in the commentary box, he said: “In the Prime Minister’s game on Wednesday, Mr Michael Hussey’s missed out. Jeez, I fancy that.”

Gilchrist said: “Are you telling us you are available?”

Pietersen replied: “Mate, I’m always available.”

Andrew Flintoff, who is in Australia playing for Brisbane Heat, said Pietersen’s presence in the Prime Minister’s XI would fire up England’s bowlers.

He tweeted: “If @KP24 plays for the primeministers XI they’ll need a turnstile at the bowlers end, they’ll be queuing up.”

Pietersen was told about Flintoff's tweet during the action and the batsman responded: "I wouldn't mind facing 'Freddie' at the moment. He is bowling backwards! I'd bat with a toothpick."

Later on Saturday evening, Pietersen tweeted "I'm available," to Australia's Prime Minister, Tony Abbott.

The Prime Minister's XI does have a 12th man, 16-year-old leg-spinning all-rounder Mac Wright, who has yet to play first class cricket. He is due to play for an ACT XI in England's tour opener on Monday, also at the Manuka Oval in Canberra. It remains to be seen if the selectors decide to cash in on what would be huge interest in Pietersen facing England.

Pietersen’s comments came shortly after he again criticised his former England team-mates, accusing them of being jealous of the money he made in the Indian Premier League.

In an interview with Australian media to preview Saturday's Big Bash derby between his Stars and city rivals Melbourne Renegades, he said he enjoyed playing in the BBL, where many other players participate in franchise cricket in other countries.

"There's no jealousy here. That's the fact," he said of life with the Stars.

"None of these guys are jealous of anything. We're just good guys, hanging out and playing cricket. All these guys play in franchises around the world, they've all benefited from the IPL.

"The England lads: too much jealousy. I was the only one profiting - very, very well - out of India, and in an auction, if you don't get picked up, it's pretty demoralising."

Pietersen has claimed he still harbours hopes of playing for England again, despite criticising many of his former team-mates in his autobiography, which was published last year.