Former England cricket star Kevin Pietersen enjoyed many memorable moments at The Oval during his illustrious career.
His standout performance undoubtedly came in 2005, with his epic knock of 158 helping England end a 16-year wait to win The Ashes.
In a recent interview with cricket betting site Betway, the 41-year-old looked back on some of his greatest achievements at the iconic ground.
First opened in 1845, The Oval has a special place in the cricket world and is widely viewed as one the best places to play the sport.
“It’s full of history, it is something truly unique,” said Pietersen. “The atmosphere here is second to none.
“You start to get those goosebumps and, I tell you, you just want to perform. When you get the opportunity to come to The Oval, it means so much to you.
“There’s not too many grounds where you actually walk straight through the fans – where the fans can touch you.”
Pietersen’s innings in the final Test of the 2005 was truly remarkable given that England were staring at the possibility of throwing away a winning opportunity.
Australia were just 133 runs behind with five wickets to get at lunch on the fifth day, and Pietersen seemed hellbent on giving his wicket away.
He had already been dropped twice, but stuck true to his attacking principles to smash Australia’s bowling attack into oblivion.
Brett Lee was bowling at around 95mph, but Pietersen treated him with disdain after being told to play his natural game by England captain Michael Vaughan.
With England only needing a draw to win The Ashes, Pietersen smashed 15 fours and seven sixes on the way to one of the most improbable draws ever seen in cricket.
Pietersen, ably supported by Paul Collingwood, had saved England’s skin and ended their long wait to regain the urn from Australia.
Despite playing the innings of his life, Pietersen admitted that he felt under huge pressure when he made his way out to the crease.
“In the Ashes in 2005, I came down here and I was in a panic,” he added. “I had absolutely no time at all to even think about batting.
“(Glenn) McGrath was bowling. I was lucky enough to get that 158. Michael Vaughan lifted the urn for England for the first time in 16 years.
“When I came back up the stairs after that 158, it was absolute chaos. To just be swamped as players, by the fans. You want to experience it.”
Pietersen’s efforts in 2005 saw him win numerous awards, including being chosen as one of the five Wisden Cricketers of the Year.
While his attacking style often attracted criticism from pundits, he is rightly lauded as one of the finest batsmen ever to play for England.
Pietersen says he is proud of what he achieved on the international stage, and admits that The Oval holds a special place in his heart.
“Sometimes I have to pinch myself because I actually can’t believe things happened the way they happened,” he said.
“There are so many fond memories that I wish could just happen again.”
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