**England batsman Kevin Pietersen reckons he is returning to top form ahead of the second Test against South Africa.**Pietersen scored 81 in the second innings of the drawn first Test as he made his comeback in the five-day game after an Achilles tendon injury.
“Technically-wise I think I am almost back to my best,” said Pietersen, who missed the last three Ashes Tests against Australia in the summer.
“Learning to trust my leg was a big thing for me but I am almost there.”
The 29-year-old, who had surgery on his injury in July, returned to action in a Twenty20 match on 15 November and went to play in the one-day international series against South Africa.
Pietersen admitted that it had taken him time to find his rhythm after a lengthy absence, but added: "Hopefully the consistent batting will come back at some stage.
606: DEBATE
Will Pietersen make big runs in Durban
“I enjoyed batting the other day - it was good fun. I feel like I have come back into my own and long may that continue.”
Pietersen batted well with Jonathan Trott during the second innings at Centurion but was run out attempting an extremely risky quick single.
“I made a mistake, I hold my hands up and I am sorry,” said Pietersen, who put on 145 with Trott for the fourth wicket.
"I probably wasn’t thinking for about half a second. Thanks goodness it did not cost us the Test match.
“I was pleased that we got over the line and can come to Durban with the series level at 0-0.”
South African fast bowler Dale Steyn is expected to return for the Test, which starts on Boxing Day.
“We definitely have fantastic swing bowlers and I think we match South Africa quite comfortably”
Kevin Pietersen
One of Makhaya Ntini, who played in his 100th Test at Centurion, and Friedel de Wet, who took 4-55 in the second innings on his debut Test as the home team pushed for victory, are likely to lose their place.
“Ntini is a very different bowler to De Wet, who bowls straighter, is a skiddier bowler and has a bit more pace,” added Pietersen.
"Ntini creates really good angles, to the left-handers especially. He bowled some really good spells with the new ball in the first Test.
“It is a very difficult decision that they are going to have to make and I am glad we are not the ones who have to make it.”
The second Test takes place at Kingsmead, the home of Natal, who are the former team of Pietermaritzburg-born Pietersen.
“I know the groundsman at Kingsmead very well and he said that he wants pace and bounce from the wicket, so it should suit both teams,” said the England number four.
“We definitely have fantastic swing bowlers and I think we match South Africa quite comfortably, especially if the weather allows it to swing.”