'Low key build up suits us'

2005-08-03 12:00

London - Kevin Pietersen insists England are under less pressure heading into the second Test against Australia, despite their crushing defeat in the Lord's opener.

England crashed to a 239-run defeat in the first Test amid high expectations this was the year they would finally end 18 years of Australian Ashes dominance.

They go to Edgbaston as underdogs, with plenty of pundits having already written off their chances of regaining the Ashes.

"The build-up's not been as big for this one," Pietersen told Sky Sports News. "That was the biggest build-up for a Test match since I've been watching cricket.

"Walking through the Long Room at Lord's that first morning was massive."

And Pietersen - whose performance was one of the few bright spots for the hosts - reckons the lower key build-up could suit England.

"We'll have to wait and see but hopefully with it not being as big a draw card as the press are making it out to be, we'll go out and do a good job of it."

Negative publicity

Pietersen also insists that England have not been damaged by the negative publicity that followed the first Test defeat.

"Sticks and stones, it's not a huge problem," he added. "People can say what they want.

"There's been quotes from us, quotes from the Australians, quotes from everybody. So what? It's just a game of cricket. We'll go out there and enjoy it and play to the best of our ability.

"Anything you say off the pitch, you have to make it happen on the wicket -that's where it counts.

"It's very important to win. We know what we've got to do. Weather permitting, hopefully we'll get a good five days in.

It's a good wicket - better than first day at Lord's - and we are ready to go again."

- AFP