Delhi Daredevils' Sri Lankan batting import Mahela Jayawardena is relishing his role as an opener in the shorter form of the game, saying it gives him opportunities to go for the big shots at the start of an innings.

England batsman Kevin Pietersen should have been back in the pavilion much before he struck his unbeaten double hundred but umpire Asad Rauf's lack of conviction saved him in the ongoing first Test against India, says Geoffrey Boycott.

After being passed over for the role of England ODI captain despite making his interest in the position known, Kevin Pietersen will mark his return from injury by captaining Surrey in this week's three-day game against Cambridge MCCU.

Kevin Pietersen said he was "excited" by the prospect of opening for England at the World Cup after being promoted to the top of the order during a tight warm-up win over Canada.