ESSEX are set to face Kevin Pietersen on Friday night when he makes his T20 Blast debut for Surrey.

Surrey were hoping Pietersen could begin his campaign last week, in their London derby against Middlesex at the Kia Oval.

The finger injury which troubled him during the Indian Premier League stopped the former England batsman playing last Friday.

But a week on, he will be in action at home to Essex.

Apparent confirmation came in the form of a Tweet on the NatWest T20 Blast feed, which read: "NEWS: Kevin Pietersen named in @surreycricket squad, set for #T20Blast action at the Oval on Friday."

A youtube video posted on Twitter by Surrey - featuring Pietersen padding up in the dressing room - was accompanied by the words: "This gentleman will be coming to work on Friday night @KP24"

Pietersen was controversially axed by the England and Wales Cricket Board in the aftermath of last winter's Ashes whitewash.

Management figures have since made it abundantly clear he will never again figure in their plans.

But that did not stop Pietersen tweeting ironically a reminder of his skills, and his hopes of a recall when the squad for the first npower Test against Sri Lanka is announced on Thursday morning.

Pietersen wrote: "England selectors meeting today...I'm ready to go! Fancy Lords next week...I'm a number 4 batter & bowl off spin. #KPforLords"