Kevin Pietersen, former England captain, fires warning to Test defectors

Franchise owners value those who play Test cricket and all players should strive to compete in the longest format, says former England captain Kevin Pietersen.

Kevin Pietersen has warned any player planning on turning their back on Test cricket that they risk decreasing their value in lucrative shorter formats.

Kevin Pietersen represented England in 104 Tests, 136 ODIs and 37 T20 internationals. (Twitter)

England internationals Adil Rashid, Alex Hales and Reece Topley have all announced that they will not play red-ball cricket this season, choosing instead to sign limited-overs deals.

(Read | Kane Williamson ton in vain as England hold nerve to beat New Zealand in third ODI)

James Anderson, England’s leading Test wicket-taker, consequently expressed his fear that up-and-coming players will shun the five-day game due to the riches on offer in big-money Twenty20 events like the Big Bash League and the IPL.

But Pietersen, who has become a specialist in T20 cricket since a very public sacking from England in February 2014, believes that franchise owners are looking for the traits associated with playing Test cricket.

(Read | IPL 2018: Brad Hodge named Kings XI Punjab head coach, Venkatesh Prasad bowling coach)

“Cricketers, just remember that when you take your whites off, your value decreases significantly,” he wrote on Twitter.

“Owners still value Test cricket.

“The longer form shows true character!

“So if you have the chance to still play in whites, DO IT!”