In his early county days, Kevin Pietersen was playing for Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club. In 2004, during a fixture against Hampshire County Cricket Club, he came up against the great Shane Warne. Pietersen scored a dazzling 49 that helped Nottinghamshire seal the win.
Warne left such an impression on him that KP reportedly asked Ian Botham to call Warne and seek his help for a move to Hampshire. By 2005, Pietersen was wearing Hampshire colours.
In just his second game for the club, Pietersen smashed a breathtaking 61 off 51 balls, almost single-handedly chasing down a target of 285. Later, when KP scored a brilliant 91 against Australia in an ODI at Bristol, Warne was effusive in his praise and even urged England to pick him for the upcoming Ashes. As expected, Pietersen was drafted into the squad for the 2005 Ashes.
KP piled up 473 runs in 10 innings, finishing as the leading run scorer of the series as England reclaimed the Ashes 2 – 1. Warne, despite battling personal turmoil off the field, was phenomenal as well, claiming 40 wickets in five Tests.
In the 2006-07 Ashes, the two faced each other once more. Australia were mocked as ageing pensioners, while England were tipped to retain the urn. Pietersen struck 92 in the first Test and a majestic 158 in the second at Adelaide. During that innings, Warne bowled around the wicket in the rough for nearly 20 minutes, probing and tempting. Pietersen is said to have remarked, “You would never bowl me around the legs.”
Warne was playing his farewell series, nearing the end of a legendary career. Pietersen, in contrast, was in his prime, young, glamorous and audacious. Before the start of day’s play, Warne said something to Michael Clarke.
Then came the moment. In the second innings, with England holding a lead, KP walked in. He faced four balls from Stuart Clark and scored two runs. The next over was Warne. First ball.
Boom. Bowled around his legs. Warne said exactly the same to Clarke the previous night. “I’ll get him out bowling around his legs. His ego would ask him to go for a big sweep.”
A retiring uncle outfoxed the young, stylish star.
Today is Shane Warne’s memorial day. Stay happy wherever you are, king.