HAMPSHIRE’S Jackson Bird could not prevent Kevin Pietersen from being upstaged on the opening night of the Big Bash.

Pietersen made his highest score since his penultimate Test appearance – but still finished on the losing side.

The former Hampshire batsman’s 46-ball 66, including two fours and four sixes, ensured the Melbourne Stars had 148-7 to defend in the opening game of the Big Bash.

But after making his highest score since his 71 in the Boxing Day Test against Australia last year, Pietersen was upstaged by Adelaide Strikers batsman Tim Ludeman, who made an unbeaten 92 (44 balls, nine fours, five sixes).

Bird, who has recently made his comeback after nine months out wiht a back injury, conceded 25 from his two overs as Adelaide won by eight wickets with 45 balls to spare.

The 28 year-old is due to play for Hampshire during the first three months of the LV County Championship season.