HAMPSHIRE star Kevin Pietersen wants to develop his off-spin to become established as an international-class all-rounder.

Pietersen, left, made a buoyant start to his England career against Zimbabwe as he scored 77 off 76 balls to help clinch a comprehensive 161-run triumph at the Harare Sports Club.

His batting skills were evident during an innings which included four fours and three sixes, and he also joined forces with Geraint Jones in an England record sixth-wicket partnership of 120 off only 85 balls.

But Pietersen believes there are more strings to his bow and is keen to work on the off-spin which first got him noticed in South African domestic cricket. He once bowled 55 overs against England for Kwazulu-Natal on the 1999-2000 tour.

He has neglected that talent as a spinner since and concentrated on averaging over 50, including 19 centuries, during four years at Nottinghamshire.

But he is now keen to take up bowling once again to improve his selection hopes for England.

"I bowl in the nets every day for 40 minutes and I bowled before play yesterday so at least I know that if a chance comes my way I won't make a fool of myself," he revealed. "I am going to keep it going, keep it in the locker, but so far they have not needed me.

"I would like to be an international all-rounder but I am not an idiot and I know I am not going to go and bowl out Australia with my off-spin - it is a case of doing a job whenever I am needed.

"I was a spinner who batted and then I came over to England and there were a lot of green pitches around and a lot of cricket so I think I fancied my chances more as a batsman.

"I probably have let my bowling slip a bit, but I know if I am going to improve my chances of selection for England I am going to have to start working hard at my bowling, taking help and advice wherever I can."