England batsman Kevin Pietersen could play for South African franchise kwaZulu-Natal Dolphins next month as he seeks a return to form ahead of the Ashes series this year.
Reports here said the struggling South Africa-born star, who began his first class career with the Durban outfit 13 years ago, hopes to play two SuperSport Series national four-day championship matches.
Pietersen has reportedly received clearance from the England and Wales Cricket Board but needs a 'green light' from Cricket South Africa, who must authorise international players appearing for local franchises.
The batsman is experiencing a difficult time on and off the pitch with a solitary half century for England this season and his last ton came against the West Indies more than a year ago.
England selectors axed him from the Twenty20 and one-day series against Pakistan this month, claiming he needed to play as much cricket as possible ahead of the showdown with Australia.
Pietersen was fined an undisclosed fee after posting a message on Twitter, including an expletive, revealing he had been dropped for the T20 and ODI series before it was officially announced.
Copyright 2010 AFP Global Edition
