Pietersen and former Liberty X singer Jessica Taylor were married in 2007

England cricketer Kevin Pietersen has become a father after his wife Jessica Taylor gave birth to a baby boy.

The couple's first child was born on Monday morning after Pietersen flew back from the ICC World Twenty20 to be present at the birth.

"This really is the most amazing experience of my life," said Pietersen.

Pietersen will stay with his wife and child for a "couple of days" and return to the West Indies for the semi-finals, which begin on Thursday.

A statement on Pietersen's website said: "Kevin and Jessica Pietersen are both thrilled to announce the birth of their baby boy today.

"The baby was born this morning without complication and both baby and Jessica are doing brilliantly.

"Kevin will stay with Jessica for a couple of days before returning to the West Indies to continue the tournament.

"They would now like to spend time on their own to enjoy and relish every minute of their new arrival."

Pietersen is England's highest run-scorer in the tournament and won man-of-the-match awards in each of their last two games.

Pietersen indicated before Christmas that he intended to return home to be with his wife, a former member of the pop group Liberty X who he married in December 2007, and he was given permission from England team management to do so.

England reached the last four of the World Twenty20 with a game to spare following Pakistan's 11-run victory over South Africa on Monday.

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