Geoff Boycott says he’s a mug. Kevin Pietersen just reckons fortune hasn’t favoured the brave Down Under and that’s why he’s averaging 27.50 in the series compared to a career mark of 47.64.
“We’ve come unstuck,” Pietersen told reporters on Tuesday as the star batsman tried to argue England could fight back and avoid a five-nil sweep in the Ashes series.
Trailing 3-0 and with the urn already lost, Pietersen says he takes comfort in the swings and roundabouts of previous Ashes campaigns.
He played in the 2006/07 side which lost 5-0 in Australia, before triumphing in the next three Ashes series.
“Good things do happen. The sun comes up,” he said at the MCG.
As for England batting great, Boycott’s comment that the Australians are laughing at him, Pietersen was brief and to the point.
“I have the greatest admiration for Geoffrey Boycott and what he achieved for England but I think the way Geoffrey played and the way I play are totally different,” Pietersen said.
While Boycott was regarded as a blocker, Pietersen has made his name as a dasher and his 23 Test hundreds have included some of the most daring shots the modern game has seen.
Australia’s bowlers have played on Pietersen’s ego, setting traps such as two short mid-wickets and restricting the runs as they wait for the strokeplayer to play a risky shot.
Pietersen says his motivation to continue playing at the top level is as good as gold, as speculation continues that spinner Graeme Swann won’t be the only player to retire from the current touring squad.
“I don’t understand why you guys talk about everybody in the same light. I’m 33 years of age. I’m batting as well as I’ve ever batted,” Pietersen said.
“I felt like a clown in Adelaide when I hit that ball to mid-wicket.
“Every single other time I’ve batted I’ve felt really, really good.
“Then a couple of times I got myself out and couple of times fortune didn’t favour the brave.
“It’s just a case making sure I keep doing what I do because it’s proved successful.
“I haven’t got a hundred. I might get one on Thursday and might be sitting here all nice and happy.”
Pietersen says he already has one eye on regaining the Ashes in 2015 in England.
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