Kevin Pietersen vows to continue despite Ashes whitewash

The future of the talented, yet enigmatic, batsman has been a key topic of conversation since Alastair Cook's men relinquished the urn following a humiliating 5-0 defeat Down Under.

At 33 years of age and with doubts over his long-term fitness due to a chronic knee problem, there have been several reports hinting that Pietersen was set to announce his retirement in the near future.

Yet Pietersen has, on numerous occasions, expressed his goal to register 10,000 Test runs – he currently has 8,181 – and today once again committed himself to England for the 2015 Ashes series. "Very disappointed to lose 5-0 and not to score more runs personally. Tough tour against a top class team. #Ashes," he said on Twitter.

"I want to thank all the England fans for their terrific support. And I'm determined to help regain the Ashes in 2015."

While Pietersen was England's highest run scorer against Australia, his contribution of 294 in 10 innings meant he had an average of under 30 compared with a career average of 47.28.

The manner of some of his dismissals led to criticism from all quarters, with former England batsman Geoffrey Boycott particularly scathing in his role as a summariser for the BBC's Test Match Special service.

Boycott's colleague and former England captain Michael Vaughan has defended Pietersen, although he fears the Surrey man may be made a scapegoat for the Ashes catastrophe.

Vaughan, who was captain when Pietersen made his England debut in the 2005 Ashes series, said: "Alastair Cook needs to use Pietersen properly and ask him how he sees his own future, and his view on the style of cricket the team have to play to become number one in the world again.

"I fear England will not do that and will get rid of Pietersen. That would be a sad loss for English cricket, the game cannot afford for that to happen."