South Africa abuse makes me laugh, says Pietersen
PANTOMIME season is upon us – and England batsman Kevin Pietersen insists he is happy to play the role of villain for South Africa fans.
The fit-again Hampshire star is frequently treated to a hot reception when he takes to the crease in the country of his birth. But ahead of the upcoming four-Test series, the 29-year-old has laughed off the verbal abuse aimed at him by Proteas fans.
And, comparing it to the treatment Australia captain Ricky Ponting and South Africa skipper Graeme Smith receive on these shores, Pietersen believes it only serves to motivate him.
“Ponting gets abused in England, Smith gets it in England, I get it here; many players get it all over the world,” he said.
“It’s something you just have to deal with, and I don’t mind it at all. I find it quite amusing really. Of course you hear it. But some players, it gets them going. It certainly does with me.”
Pietersen has scored just 85 runs in five innings since returning from an Achilles injury, and admits he is struggling to rediscover top form for next week’s first Test.
“It’s tough when you come back after a long injury, mentally and physically,” he added.
“It’s quite difficult and I am finding it quite hard. But I’m doing everything that I can to try to get myself back to where I used to be. You’ve just got to go out there and do the hard work, which will eventually pay off.”