Kevin Pietersen heading home in bid to find pre-Ashes form

Published on Wednesday 8 September 2010 20:11

England's Kevin Pietersen is set to turn out for South African franchise the Kwa-Zulu Natal (KZN) Dolphins in October in a bid to find his form before the Ashes tour later this year.

The South African-born batsman, who made his first-class debut for the Durban-based Dolphins during the 1997-98 season before relocating to England, will be available to play in two four-day matches for the franchise from 7-17 October. It is understood Pietersen will not be paid for his time with the team.

Durban newspaper the Daily News reported that Pietersen had received clearance from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to play in South Africa. However, Cricket South Africa, which has the final say on international players competing for South African franchises, has not yet signed the deal off.

Pietersen was dropped by England for the Twenty20 internationals and one-dayers against Pakistan because the selectors felt he would benefit from playing as much cricket as possible.

The 30-year-old right-hander, part of the Twenty20 World Cup-winning side this year and voted player of that tournament, was fined an undisclosed sum this week after posting a message on Twitter, which contained an expletive, announcing he had been dropped.

Pietersen has passed 50 for England just once this season, and the last of his 16 Test centuries was scored against West Indies in March, 2009. The Ashes series starts in November.

Meanwhile, Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Ijaz Butt was met by a hostile reception on his return to Lahore yesterday in his first public appearance since three Pakistan players were accused of spot-fixing.

A group of angry fans booed and shouted "shame, shame" as Butt emerged from the airport. Butt said he had written a letter on behalf of Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir, but that "the ICC wants individual replies from the players."

"We will give the new reply within 14 days," Butt said.