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The South African-born stroke-player was at the crease during day three of the second Test against Sri Lanka at Colombo, and went on to score 151 as England, 1-0 down in the two-match series, grabbed control of proceedings on the first innings.
Just before reaching his century, Pietersen twice shaped to play that stroke – where a right-hander suddenly turns an effective left-hander – before bowler Tillakaratne Dilshan was in his delivery stride.
On each occasion Dilshan aborted his run-up, leading to a stalemate of sorts.
The umpire at the bowler’s end, Asad Rauf, then officially warned Pietersen to desist – in terms of the warning, England were liable for a five-run penalty if he did it again too early.
It did not stop the single-minded former KwaZulu-Natalian from employing a reverse sweep to bring up his century.
“KP” first demonstrated the stroke against New Zealand some three years ago, registering a meaty six on that occasion but sparking much debate around its legitimacy.
