CAPE TOWN: Kevin Pietersen is returning to his former team in South Africa.

The Durban-based Dolphins, where Pietersen first played before leaving for England, announced the batsman as their new signing on Tuesday for the upcoming domestic Twenty20 competition.

Pietersen, now 35 and apparently discarded by England for good despite being its record run-scorer, was born in nearby Pietermaritzburg and started his career at the Dolphins.

Pietersen, who was present for the announcement in Johannesburg, will return to South Africa late next month ahead of the competition.

The move was announced a day after England director of cricket Andrew Strauss said the Ashes-winning team had “moved on” from Pietersen, seemingly closing the door on any return