30/09/2009 12:50 PM
Kevin Pietersen has underlined his determination to make the plane for England's tour to South Africa in November.
Pietersen admits he is frustrated by setbacks in his recovery from surgery on his Achilles tendon.
But he has not given up hope of being fit in time for the start of a South Africa trip that will feature two Twenty20s, five ODIs and four Tests.
"I am trying to get as fit as possible as quick as I can," Pietersen told Sky Sports. "I have had a few setbacks and I am really frustrated. It will be a couple of weeks before it totally heals over - the next 10 to 14 days - then I can start working really hard."
"The time scale is difficult but I will definitely be doing everything I can to get on that first plane to South Africa which is at the end of October."
"I might be a few days off that but I will certainly be in the Test squad. The one-dayers I am really pushing for but the Twenty20s might be a rush."
The Pietermaritzburg-born batsmen is understandably keen to play a part in the tour against a side currently heading the world Test rankings and lying third in the one-day rankings.
"For obvious reasons, it is a very important trip for me," said Pietersen. "For the team as well after the Ashes to take the momentum forwards. We want to have our best team out there."
Pietersen missed the last three Tests of the Ashes series and the one-day series against Australia and is continuing his rehabilitation while England competes in the Champions Trophy in South Africa.
"I have missed a lot of cricket and it is frustrating now because I just want this right but I have got to make sure I come back fresh, having recharged my batteries, because the schedule is non-stop," he said.
Asked about England's surprisingly strong showing in South Africa, with Andrew Strauss' men already having booked a semi-finals spot, Pietersen said: "When both departments fire at once - the batting and the bowling - we are difficult to beat."
"One-day wise we have got some improvements to make but, if we play like we did on Sunday more often, we are a force to be reckoned with for sure."
Meanwhile, Proteas captain Graeme Smith has withdrawn from the Cape Cobras squad for next month's Champions League Twenty20 to ensure his fitness ahead of England's tour.
The left-hander suffered cramp while batting in South Africa's 22-run defeat to England in the Champions Trophy on Sunday, a result which knocked the hosts out of the tournament.
The injury created headlines after England skipper Strauss denied Smith a runner before he was finally dismissed for 141 in a losing cause.
Smith was due to join the Cobras for the inaugural Champions League Twenty20 next month, but Cricket South Africa decided to withdraw him on medical advice.
"After much discussion and deliberation, the Proteas' management together with the medical committee of Cricket South Africa headed by Dr Shuaib Manjra have made a decision to withdraw Graeme from the upcoming Champions League in India," national team manager Dr Mohammed Moosajee said.
"This decision is based on Graeme's current upper limb dysfunction."
Smith underwent an operation on a troublesome elbow in June and with England's 10-week tour of South Africa is due to begin at the start of November team physiotherapist Brandon Jackson said the skipper would rest for between four and six weeks.
"We need to work on strengthening his muscles around the shoulder area and continue his post-operation rehab," Jackson said.
"The elbow operation was 100 percent successful and I am confident that he will be ready for action by the start of the England series in November."
Smith admitted he was disappointed he would not play in the Champions League, where the Cobras and Eagles will represent South Africa.
"It is very important for South African cricket that the two franchises representing us in India should do well," he said.
"And, like all the national players, I enjoy playing franchise cricket whenever national circumstances permit."