Pietersen tips NZ to win Cricket World Cup

Kevin Pietersen. Photo / AP

Exiled England cricketer Kevin Pietersen is picking the Black Caps to win next year's Cricket World Cup.

After arriving in Australia for the Big Bash Twenty20 competition, the former England international said he thought New Zealand were the side to beat at the Cricket World Cup.

He wasn't so keen on his own country's chances.

"The England side might still struggle here in a couple of months' time," Pietersen said.

The Black Caps are currently ranked seventh in the ODI rankings, four spots below England and have reached the semifinals in three of the last four tournaments.

New Zealand open the tournament against Sri Lanka at Hagley Oval on February 14. The Black Caps then face Pietersen's former team six days later.

According to the TAB, the Black Caps are $8 outsiders to win the World Cup.

Pietersen said he anticipates changes in English cricket soon.

"The next six months, with the changes happening in England, it could be interesting," he said.

Pietersen played 104 tests, 136 ODIs and 37 Twenty20s for England before he was unceremoniously dumped from the side at the start of the year.