Pietersen Big Bash top scorer

Kevin Pietersen is the leading run-scorer in Australia`s Twenty20 Big Bash competition after hitting an unbeaten 67 off 42 balls for Melbourne Stars.

The 34-year-old, who was sacked by England last February, helped Melbourne beat Sydney Thunder by eight wickets and has scored 262 runs in six innings.

"I`m batting as well as ever. I`ve got rid of my knee pain," he said.

Pietersen said England had "an outside chance" of winning the ICC Cricket World Cup, which starts next month.

"I`m just enjoying myself, having fun. I think the batting line-up they`ve [England] got is exciting," he told Sky Sports.

Pietersen`s runs have come at an average of 52.4, with a strike rate of 124.17 per 100 balls, putting him ahead of Brisbane Heat`s Chris Lynn in the run-scoring list.

Melbourne Stars are third in the table as they seek a semi-final place, with Sydney Thunder now out of contention after their defeat. England`s selectors regard the issue of picking Pietersen as redundant, although the player has said he would welcome the chance to return.

This week, he displayed his new tattoo - a map of the world on his chest and back, with red stars indicating everywhere that the batsman has scored an international century.