 Ton against India my best ever: Pietersen
23rd Jul 2007 19:42 IST
Agencies
England's flamboyant batsman Kevin Pietersen, whose complaint of mental fatigue a few days before the first Test landed him in trouble, rated his century against India as his best ever knock and a proof of his commitment to the team.
"That was right out of the top drawer. I'd probably rate that as No. 1 to be totally honest," said Pietersen, who hit a belligerent 134 on Day Four that put England in match-winning situation in the first Test.
"The conditions last night and this morning were as testing as I've had them in international cricket, or county cricket for that matter."
Pietersen had been under fire for his comments a few days back that he was "mentally fatigued" by the international scheduling. Obviously his joy knew no bound and he did an exaggerated celebration after reaching the triple-figure mark.
The South Africa-born England player said his innings was a fitting reply to his critics while reaffirming his commitment to his adopted country.
"I simply answered a simple question that I was asked last week on my time off, and it got blown up," Pietersen said.
"But I'm as committed to everything. I've never ever shied away from anything, I've always turned up for England.
"I've never ever asked for a day off, ever. As long as I'm asked to play for England, I'll play for England."
Pietersen, who hit his first century against India and the ninth overall with the help of 14 fours and one six, said it was his best performance so far.
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