For Kieswetter, IPL can wait

After a flamboyant start to his international career that began within a week of becoming eligible to play for England, wicketkeeper and opener Craig Kieswetter, who helped England win the World T20 title, suddenly lost way.

After a flamboyant start to his international career that began within a week of becoming eligible to play for England, wicketkeeper and opener Craig Kieswetter, who helped England win the World T20 title, suddenly lost way.

The 23-year-old is back and eyes this one-day series to cement his place. An increment contract from the England Board two days ago has boosted his confidence, and so has his stint with Somerset in the Champions League.

Having batted in three matches in the run-up to the CLT20 semis, Kieswetter looked to have put behind his ordinary show against India back home. The hard-hitting opener aggregated 174 runs at an average of 72 with a highest of 62.

However, he did not play in the two qualifying and one group match in Hyderabad where the one-day series begins on Friday. “It was a great experience playing against the IPL teams. It was great for a small club from England to perform at the world stage,” he said.

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Kieswetter was guarded when asked if he would accept an IPL contract. “To be honest, at this stage of my career I would want to play for Somerset,” he said.

“Playing against some of the IPL teams we got a taste of what it is. It's very addictive and I would love to be part of it at some stage.”

Kieswetter, whose father is South African and mother a Scot, was born and raised in Johannesburg. He chose to play for England after playing in the South Africa U-19, and reportedly turned down South Africa skipper Graeme Smith's request to return.