KP set to resume career in birth country South Africa within fortnight

Ousted England batsman Kevin Pietersen is reportedly set to resume his cricket career in South Africa within a fortnight.

Pietersen, who is a free agent since his county club Surrey contract expired at the end of August, is in the country of his birth on a safari holiday. However, he is expected to be one of the overseas players his former county colleague Graeme Smith has persuaded to feature in the Ram Slam tournament.

Former South Africa captain Smith was appointed competition director earlier this year with the brief to improve the quality of imports. None have yet been revealed across the six franchises but negotiations are at the final stages with several internationals, The Mirror reported.

A Cricket South Africa spokesman said that they would most likely be making an announcement next week once contracts have been finalised.

Although former England star Pietersen would fit the bill in terms of profile, his form this year has been ropey with just one score above 50 in 10 months. He is scheduled to play for Melbourne Stars in Australia's Big Bash League between December 18 and January 28.

Featuring in the Ram Slam would offer a chance to warm up for that with his first competitive action since NatWest Blast finals day at Edgbaston two months ago when Pietersen managed just 13 as Surrey fell to winners Warwickshire in a last-four clash, the report added.