• England

Pietersen: I was liked by team-mates

ESPN staff
April 9, 2014
Kevin Pietersen says he was the first to spot Jonathan Trott's illness © PA Photos
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Kevin Pietersen claims he was popular among his former England team-mates, despite widespread reports saying otherwise.

The batsman was effectively sacked by the ECB following the Ashes whitewash in Australia, with many media outlets reporting he had a negative effect on the team.

"Contrary to popular belief, I have a very good relationship with most of the guys in the England dressing room," Pietersen told the Times of India.

The 34-year-old, in the sub-continent ahead of the new IPL season where he is representing the Delhi Daredevils, also claimed he was the first to spot Jonathan Trott's stress-related illness that saw him leave the tour and return home.

Pietersen added: "He has said that I was the first person to notice his problem.

"I told him that he needed to calm down and he was putting too much pressure on himself. He is doing quite well now. If someone is struggling, I like to go up and put an arm around him."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd
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