South Africa-born England cricket legend, Kevin Pietersen, climbed Lion’s Head on a scorching-hot day in the Mother City.
Pietersen, 45, captioned his Instagram post: “Lions Head taken on today – a family hike! Fun in the sun! A sun that is boiling hot! 🥵”
Pietersen, who is in the country for the festive season, spent time at Fancourt Golf Resort along the Garden Route with his family prior to arriving in Cape Town.
Who is Kevin Pietersen?
Kevin Pietersen is a former England international cricketer widely regarded as one of the most talented and influential batsmen of the modern era.
Known for his fearless approach, innovation and flair, Pietersen played a significant role in transforming England’s batting style during the mid to late 2000s.
Born on 27 June 1980 in Pietermaritzburg, Pietersen initially pursued a cricket career in his home country before moving to England in 2001.
He qualified to play for England after fulfilling residency requirements and made his international debut in 2004.
Kevin Pietersen announced himself on the world stage during the 2005 Ashes series, when he famously struck a six off legendary Australian spinner Shane Warne early in his Test career. That moment symbolised the boldness that would come to define his playing style.
Match-winner
Over the course of his international career, Pietersen represented England in 104 Test matches, 136 One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and 37 T20Is, earning a reputation as a match-winner across all formats.
He was a central figure in England’s rise to the top of the ICC Test rankings and played a key role in the 2010/11 Ashes series victory in Australia, one of England’s most celebrated cricketing achievements.
Pietersen also served as England captain, although his leadership tenure was short-lived and often surrounded by controversy.
His international career came to an abrupt end in 2014, following well-publicised disputes with team management and questions around team culture.
New generation
Despite the turbulent end to his England career, Pietersen’s impact on the game is undeniable.
He is remembered for introducing innovative shots such as the switch hit, pushing the boundaries of traditional batting and influencing a new generation of aggressive players.
Since retiring from international cricket, Pietersen has remained involved in the sport as a commentator, analyst and mentor, while also pursuing business interests and conservation work.
