Cricket South Africa approve Pietersen’s return KwaZulu Natal Dolphins

Johannesburg (S. Africa),S - Cricket South Africa has given the all clear to Kevin Pietersen to play two matches for the KwaZulu Natal Dolphins in an effort to regain form for the forthcoming Ashes series Down Under.

Pietersen will play in the Dolphins’ first-class matches against the Warriors (Oct 7-10) and Titans (Oct 14-17), Sky Sports reports.

The Pietermaritzburg-born batsman started his career with the Dolphins, making his first-class debut for them in 1997 before leaving to pursue his career in England. He progressed to international level in 2004 but after a recent run of poor form was dropped for the first time by his adopted country for their T20 and one-day series against Pakistan.

Pietersen, who has not scored an international century for 18 months, is currently on loan at Surrey where he is playing the final two fixtures of the LV County Championship season.

Dolphins chief executive Jesse Chellan confirmed Pietersen will not be paid by the franchise.

“It is a two-game arrangement because that’s the window he is available for. He has other commitments thereafter,” said Chellan.

“He’s a world-class player so his expertise on the field of play will be very valuable. We’ve got a very young squad here, and last year, we released a lot of senior players, so the team is very young,” Chellan added.

“Nine out of the 10 players that we have recruited, the average age is 19, so we’re hoping he will influence them in a positive manner in terms of confidence and self-belief,” he said. (ANI)