Kevin Pietersen

Kevin Peter Pietersen (born 27 June 1980 in Pietermaritzburg, Natal, South Africa) is a cricketer - an attacking right-handed batsman who plays for England and Hampshire. After England's 2005 Ashes triumph, the nickname KP is used to refer to Pietersen across the country.

Early history

Born of an English mother and a South African father, Pietersen made his first-class debut for Natal's B team in 1997/98. He continued with the newly-renamed KwaZulu-Natal side for the next two South African seasons, but a lack of opportunities in his homeland, caused in part by the country's racial quota system, caused him frustration and he moved to England to play for Nottinghamshire for the 2001 season.

Related Topics:
English - South Africa - First-class - 1997 - 98 - Nottinghamshire - 2001

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He made an immediate impression with his big hitting and athletic fielding, and managed an impressive batting average of 57.95 in his first year in county cricket, making 1,275 runs that season; in July he made 218 not out in an unbroken sixth-wicket stand of 352 with John Morris at Derby, having been lbw for a duck in the first innings. The following year he made another unbeaten double ton, 254 not out at home to Middlesex, in which he again took part in a huge partnership -- this time 316 for the fourth wicket with Darren Bicknell, and in 2003 he scored 764 runs in one-day cricket.

Related Topics:
Batting average - County cricket - John Morris - Derby - Lbw - Middlesex - Darren Bicknell - 2003 - One-day cricket

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By now it was clear that England recognition awaited as soon as Pietersen had completed his four-year residency qualification, so in preparation for this he accompanied England A to India in 2003/04. He had a wonderful time, scoring 147 not out, 31, 114, 115, 32 and 94 in his six first-class innings to record an average of over 100 with the bat, as well as making 131 in a one-day match against India A in Bangalore.

Related Topics:
India - 2003 - 04 - Bangalore

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