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LONDON - A World Cup set in the Caribbean will be the perfect fantasy setting for a cricketer as motivated by the big stage as Kevin Pietersen.
Pietersen's boundless talent is matched only by his ambition.
He left his native South Africa openly disgruntled with a quota system for black players. Disenchanted with Nottinghamshire he moved to more congenial surroundings in Hampshire.
Called up for the England one-day side, he promptly defied a hostile reception to strike a century against his native country.
Then on promotion to the test side, he targeted Australia's matchless pace and spin bowling pair Glenn McGrath and Shane Warne with audacious half-centuries in a losing cause at Lord's.
Finally he launched an astonishing counter-attack in the final test at The Oval, London's other showpiece ground, hitting seven sixes in an innings of 158 and hooking Brett Lee off his forehead into the crowd to ensure England drew the match and won the 2005 Ashes.
In the following English summer, Pietersen scored heavily against Sri Lanka, including an unforgettable reverse sweep for six off Muttiah Muralitharan. He was England's best batsman in the dismal Ashes series in Australia before leaving the Tri-Series early after he was injured by McGrath.
Throughout the fraught Ashes campaign as the euphoria of 2005 vanished in a 5-0 series reverse, Pietersen was targeted relentlessly by his opponents, the crowds and, finally, by Australian coach John Buchanan, who said he was not a team player.
He was also criticised when he was bowled around his legs trying a sweep shot against Warne when England collapsed to a humiliating defeat in Adelaide.
"I enjoyed the cricket. The challenge was fantastic, the rivalry on the field was magnificent," Pietersen told the Sunday Times. "I loved it but you don't need people giving you a hard time, you're copping it on the field, you're copping it off the field, you're copping it in taxis and walking to the bus."
England's Ashes humiliation was followed by victory in the tri-series, which at least gave them some hope for the World Cup and provide further motivation for Pietersen.
Friendly West Indian pitches and short boundaries will suit Pietersen and he clearly thrives on responsibility. Like all champions, reverses only spur him on in his quest to become a truly great batsman.
"There's records to break, runs to be scored," he said. "World Cups to win and more...."
- REUTERS
