A summary of the controversial cricketer's career:
Born: June 27, 1980
Birthplace: Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
1997-98: Makes first-class debut for Natal as anall-rounder.
2001: Joins Nottinghamshire having become frustrated withthe quota selection system in South Africa.
2003: Averages more than 50 for the third season running butbecomes disenchanted and threatens to sue for unfair dismissal, even thoughrelegated Nottinghamshire insist he has not been sacked.
2005: Joins the England squad for the one-day series againsthis native South Africa.
2005: Registers maiden century with 108 in the second matchin Bloemfontein, becomes the fastest man in history to reach 500 one-dayinternational runs.
2006: The first batsman since 1990 to score a century inthree successive Test innings.
2007: Posts his highest score of 226 in the second Testagainst the West Indies at Headingley.
2008: Made test and one day captain
2009: Resigns as England captain following reports of riftwith team coach Moore .
November 2010-January 2011: On top form in England's Ashesseries win in Australia, with the highlight a career-best 227 in Adelaide.
2012: Retires from one-day and Twenty20 internationals.
-- Scores 149 against South Africa at Headingley and thenclaims obstacles must be overcome in order for him to continue beyond the thirdTest against South Africa at Lord's.
-- Declares his intention to represent England in all formsof cricket on YouTube, but is dropped from England squad for third Test.
-- Apologises for sending "provocative texts to myclose friends in the SA team" but it's not enough for the ECB, withmanaging director Hugh Morris saying "further discussions" are neededbefore Pietersen can be recalled.
-- While the Test is in progress, he is out for a goldenduck playing for Surrey in a 40-over match against former county Hampshire.
-- Omitted from England's World Twenty20 squad with nationalselector Geoff Miller saying his "future involvement is still beingdetermined".
