Already worn down by the jibes at his changing national identity at Trent Bridge, he even threatened to walk out of the Nottinghamshire side with 12 months left on his four-year contract.
As if to test his loyalties to England, he was invariably made to stand in the dressing room and belt out 'God Save The Queen'. But he would do it, in the manner of a truly proud Englishman, with "word-perfect" gusto.
Meanwhile, he continued to score heavily, scoring 221 against Warwickshire at Edgbaston, equaling Joe Hardstaff's (Jr.) record score against the same opponent. Against Durham, he became the first batsman to hit a ball over the pavilion at Riverside.
In 2004, he became qualified to represent England. He celebrated the occasion with four centuries for England A. He subsequently played his maiden ODI for England against Zimbabwe at Harare. He had a successful ODI series, averaging 104.00 in three innings with a top score of 77 not out, which won him the first of his many 'Man of the Match' awards.
Image: Darren Gough, Pietersen and Michael Vaughan along with other English players enjoy a trip around the Shamwari Game Reserve, South Africa, on February 3, 2005.
Also see: Pietersen plays down confrontation with Kumble
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