Pietersen switched on for South Africa showdown

ST PHILIP, Barbados, Apr 15 (Reuters) England batsman Kevin Pietersen will be trying extra hard on Tuesday when he faces his former homeland of South Africa in a virtual World Cup quarter-final.

With Australia, New Zealand and Sri Lanka already through to the final four, Tuesday's Super Eights clash in Barbados is almost a knockout game.

Pietersen grew up in South Africa but moved to England in search of international cricket after becoming frustrated with his lack of opportunities because of a quota system designed to boost the number of players of colour.

The 26-year-old, who received constant crowd abuse when he hit three centuries on his first tour of South Africa in 2005, is keen to remind his former countrymen what they are missing.

''It's probably just a switch inside me that gets me going. It is something that triggers inside me that makes me want to give it an extra special go,'' he told reporters today.

Pietersen and Proteas skipper Graeme Smith have both made derogatory comments about each other in the past but the England batsman wants to avoid a new feud.

''Everybody knows that we don't get on, for whatever reason,'' Pietersen said.

''It's a closed chapter now, the game on Tuesday is not about me and it's not about Graeme Smith. What has been said has been said.

It's done and dusted. We are grown adults now.'' BOWLING ONSLAUGHT South Africa will secure a semi-final spot with a victory while an England win would mean they could afford to lose to West Indies in their final match as long as their net run rate remains superior.

''Whoever wins on Tuesday will probably find themselves in St Lucia the following week facing up against Australia in the semis so it is going to be a big game with a lot of needle,'' added Pietersen, who is ready for a bowling onslaught.

''If they target me they target me, it really doesn't bother me.'' England have lost to New Zealand, Sri Lanka and defending champions Australia so far and a nervy win over Bangladesh has been their only victory over a test nation.

''It's clear it's a must win game. All the boys see it as a quarter-final and I'm sure South Africa do too,'' Pietersen said.

''I know we haven't beaten a big nation here. Let's hope Tuesday is our big victory against a real good nation.'' South Africa were shocked by Bangladesh and lost to New Zealand.

Robin Peterson has failed to make an impact as a much-needed spinner and Pietersen did not even acknowledge his near namesake was in their squad.

''They are pretty vulnerable in this World Cup because they haven't brought a spinner,'' the world's top one-day batter said.

''So I think that's probably the reason why they are probably going to be an attack that most teams can get hold of.'' REUTERS PDS PM2346