Centurion Kevin Pietersen to play until at least 2016

Pietersen, 33, will play his 100th Test in the first Ashes contest against Australia, starting on Thursday.

A recurring knee injury had prompted speculation he might retire at the end of the series, but he has set his sights on the 2015 World Cup, and another home Ashes series.

"As long as the body goes well, I'm good for it," said Pietersen.

Pietersen, meanwhile, believes his mistakes, as well as his successes, have brought him to the brink of a "surreal" 100th Test.

England's most talked-about cricketer will reach a century of caps on Thursday at the Gabba, when Alastair Cook's tourists begin their bid for a fourth consecutive Ashes triumph.

Pietersen will become just the 10th England player with 100 or more Tests to his name, and should be followed into three figures by Cook in Perth next month.

It all so nearly did not happen, however, for the South Africa-born batsman because of last year's breakdown oin relations with then captain Andrew Strauss and coach Andy Flower.

Only a period of 'reintegration' ensured Pietersen's return for last winter's tour of India.

Pietersen said: "We've all made mistakes in all our lives. That's when you learn the most, and if I hadn't learned I wouldn't be sitting here on the eve of my 100th Test match. The good has been good; the bad has been bad. There has been some really good stuff, and I've really enjoyed the journey.

"It's quite surreal, talking about 100th Test matches is a weird feeling."

n Enhanced technology, including real-time Snickometer, will be available to the third umpire for decision review system procedures in the winter's Ashes.

Broadcasters Channel 9 today confirmed the use of the new Snickometer as well as thermal-imaging device Hot Spot to detect ball-on-bat contact in the series.

set to get under way at the Gabba on Thursday.

The announcement was anticipated, but confirmation has taken longer than many expected after protracted discussions between both teams, the International Cricket Council, broadcasters and BBG Sports – the company who develop and provide the equipment.

DRS proved a vexed process in England last summer, when Hot Spot in particular caused much confusion.

Nine's executive producer of cricket Brad McNamara, said: "Real-time Snicko will be part of the DRS. Both teams' boards have agreed to do it.

"We're all about the best technology in the world.

"It will change the DRS. We hope you won't get the mistakes."