26 December,2009 06:51 AM IST | | AFP
Controversial England batsman Kevin Pietersen hopes to end his topsy-turvy 2009 by playing a match-winning role on the Kingsmead ground where he learnt his trade.
The South African-born batsman, who started the year by losing the England captaincy and was sidelined during the Ashes through injury, has shrugged off the significance of his return to his former home where the second Test gets underway today.
"My family are all here, and it's something that is special," said Pietersen.
"It's not all about me playing in Durban; it's about the team coming here and doing special things. Playing for England in South Africa is something I love and enjoy."
Pietersen made 40 and 81 in the drawn first Test at Centurion and refuses to believe that 2009 has been a year to forget. "It's true 2009 hasn't been fun. But life isn't always good," he said.
The weather could be a factor in Durban, where rain is predicted at some stage during all five days.
