Despite a lack of recent form, Pietersen is still England's key batsman.
  • Despite a lack of recent form, Pietersen is still England's key batsman.
  • He made an immediate impact for England in the one-day series against the Proteas.
  • His maiden Test ton came in the Ashes decider at the Oval in 2005.
  • After a lean period, KP spent a short stint playing back in South Africa before the Ashes.
  • Pietersen is married to former Liberty X band member Jessica Taylor.

England will be hoping a short stint in South Africa and the chance to take on Australia in their own back yard will help Kevin Pietersen get back to his best form.

The South African-born batsman has not hit a Test century since the tour of the Caribbean last March, a dip below his normally lofted standards that has resulted in his average dropping below 50.

However Pietersen is still the best batsman England have in their line-up and the prized scalp that opposition teams target.

When in form there are few more dangerous players in the world game than Pietersen. He has the all-round game to attack any bowler on any surface, though he does seem to still have his issues with slow left-armers.

Originally from Pietermaritzburg, the 30-year-old decided to turn his back on his native land due to a lack of opportunities, joining Nottinghamshire at the invitation of Clive Rice.

Seen primarily as an off-spinner who could bat a bit, the right-hander quickly became a heavy run scorer in county cricket. His reward was a call-up by England...for a one-day tour of South Africa.

With the home fans letting him know exactly what they thought of him, Pietersen proceded to smash three centuries. It appeared that the flak he was bein subjected to only fueled his desire to produce the goods.

England selectors couldn't resist the urge to push him into the Test team, even at the expense of a player of Graham Thorpe's calibre, and his debut against Australia saw him make two half-centuries in a losing cause at the Oval.

A first ton in the longest form of the game arrived at the end of the Ashes series at the Oval, as Pietersen became prolific - only Don Bradman made more runs in their first 25 Test appearances.

While there have been lean times of late there is no doubting Pietersen still has the drive - and tremendous work-rate that might bely his brashness - to confirm his status as one of the modern greats of the game.