Pietersen was making his Dolphins debut in the city where he was born

England batsman Kevin Pietersen managed 36 against the Warriors at the start of his two-match stint for South African side Dolphins in Pietermaritzburg.

He shared an 80-run partnership with captain Imraan Khan before he was caught after facing 48 deliveries.

Pietersen, who has not scored a Test century since March 2009, hopes to recapture his form ahead of the Ashes, which start on 25 November.

The 30-year-old will also play against the Titans in Durban next week.

Arriving at the crease with the home side at 79-2, Pietersen started sedately but gained confidence as the innings progressed.

However, after hitting six fours, he came down the wicket aggressively to Jon-Jon Smuts and was caught by Andrew Birch while attempting to go over mid-on, leaving the Dolphins on 159-3.

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The Dolphins closed day one on 328-3. Imraan Khan was 161 not-out at stumps with Ahmed Amla on 79.

Pietersen only once scored more than 50 in Test matches for England this summer.

He endured a disappointing summer and his poor form resulted in him being dropped for the recent limited-overs series against Pakistan.

He moved to Surrey on loan from Hampshire following his omission from the England squad at the end of August.

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