Pietersen's cameo no good for Ashes build-up

Kevin Pietersen made a sparkling 36 off 48 balls but missed a chance to make a big score in his first appearance for South African first-class team Dolphins at the Pietermaritzburg Oval yesterday.

Playing within a six hit of his old school, Maritzburg College, Pietersen looked in command against the Warriors before holing out to long-on off part-time left-arm spinner Jon-Jon Smuts.

Pietersen is playing in two matches for the Dolphins before joining England's squad for the Ashes tour of Australia later this month. He hit six boundaries in his innings.

After Pietersen was out, the Dolphins batsmen took command on an easy-paced pitch, reaching 328 for three at the end of the first day of the four-day match.