The Japanese jibe that will hurt England more than shock WC exit, Pietersen responds

England might have to pick up the bat again sooner than they expected, as they have been invited by Japan for a friendly 'challenge' following Eoin Morgan's men's shock World Cup exit.

England suffered a 15-run defeat to a spirited Bangladesh on Monday in a match they had to win to stay in the tournament.

Reflecting on England's elimination from the tournament, Japan Cricket Association took to Twitter, "challenging" the "Dear ECB-cricket" for a game in Japan on the way home since there is a room in their schedule, the BBC reported.

Dear @ECB_cricket, this might not be a great time, but as there's room in your schedule, fancy a game in Japan on the way home? #challenge

— Japan Cricket Assoc. (@CricketJapan) March 9, 2015

Though England are eliminated from the ongoing World Cup, Morgan's men have one more game in their hands and will face Afghanistan on Friday in Sydney. 

Axed English batsman Kevin Pietersen on twitter induldged in banter taking a swipe at the English cricket team and the Japanese Cricket Association saying that he alone is capable enough of taking on the Japanese team when they challenged England to play them after the latter's ouster from the World Cup. 

Dear @CricketJapan - please can I play you by myself on my way over to Aus tomorrow?

— Kevin Pietersen (@KP24) March 9, 2015