Kevin Pietersen has laughed off criticism aimed at him by John Buchanan, describing the former Australia coach as “a nobody”.
Buchanan, who won three out of four Ashes series during his six-year stint with Australia, described Pietersen as a potential weak link the hosts could exploit when the battle for the famous urn begins in Brisbane on November 25.
The 57-year-old said that Pietersen
had the potential to be “a major problem” if he did not halt the
alarming slump in form which has seen him go 27 Test innings without a
century.
But Pietersen, who
will fly out with the rest of the England squad to Australia on Friday,
paid short shrift to the Australian’s comments on Wednesday, saying: “I
didn’t react to it (Buchanan’s comments) because it was strange that he
made headlines.
“I’m not interested in what he has to say. Who is he? He’s a nobody.
“He
had the best team to coach in the history of cricket. Anyone could have
coached that team. He has done nothing else solid so I won’t even take
it with a pinch of salt.”
Pietersen returned to South Africa last month as he attempted to re-discover the
form which he demonstrated when he announced his arrival on the
international stage with a series of stunning displays in 2005.
The 30-year-old sought the advice of coach Graham Ford, who nurtured Pietersen’s development as a youngster.
During his spell at the Kawazulu Natal Dolphins, Pietersen could only manage scores of 38 and a second-ball duck but the former
Nottinghamshire man insists he is brimming with confidence ahead of
England’s Ashes defence.
“Graham Ford was brilliant for my confidence. He knows how to get the best out of me,” said Pietersen, who averages over 54 in Tests Down Under.
“I did some amazing work with him and absolutely loved it. I re-kindled some shots out of my old style of play.
“I’d love to post a big score in the first Test. I’ve done it before so why not again? I love playing Australia.”
Pietersen showed the potential to go down as one of the England all-time greats
when he marked his Test debut with two half-centuries against Ricky
Ponting’s side in 2005.
The batsman then went on to score 158 in the final Test at the Oval which sealed England’s first Ashes series victory 1987.
England’s
fortunes were soon to turn the following winter when the tourists were
mercilessly put to the sword in a humiliating 5-0 defeat.
Pietersen is convinced that England are now in a position to win this winter
thanks to a sense of unity that has been instilled in the team since
Andy Flower’s appointment as team director last January.
“Last time it was horrendous,” Pietersen conceded.
“There
were a lot of individuals who turned up in Australia last time, we were
humbled and humiliated by an incredible team and that made a big
difference.
“(But) we have more of a team now than we did in 2006-07.
“I think we can win the series. We are better prepared, physically and mentally.”
