Pietersen and Andrew Flintoff were highly valued in the IPL auction

Kevin Pietersen believes English participation in the Indian Premier League could help improve England's performances in one-day cricket.

Batsman Pietersen was speaking ahead of England's Twenty20 international against the West Indies on Sunday.

"I think the reason why India have gone through the roof is because of the Indian Premier League," said Pietersen.

"After missing out last year, there is no way we can get up there if we don't play," he added.

India have taken the game to a new level because of the IPL Kevin Pietersen

And if his security concerns are allayed, Pietersen is eager to learn from the IPL as England seek to achieve some level of consistency in the short forms of the game.

"India are taking one-day cricket to a different level," said the former England captain. "Have you seen the way they are playing in New Zealand? Then compare that to what we did out there last year - India are on a different level.

606: DEBATE How will England do against West Indies in the Twenty20 and one-day internationals?

"It's important for our players to learn how to hit fours and sixes. You can do that in Twenty20 cricket and you can practise it. You must practise it in order to play it.

"In the middle when you try to play like that you have to know you've practised it, and Twenty20 is a boundary fest.

"I'm afraid to say it but they have taken the game to a new level because of the IPL and I think the players recognise that."

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version