Pietersen defends his batting style

Kevin Pietersen8217;s ability to use the long handle effectively in the one-dayers is a huge asset to the English team. But overdose of heroics, at times, can be a huge curse as the Hampshire batsman must have realised after his side snatched defeat from the jaws of victory at the Ferozeshah Kotla on Wednesday.

Pietersen played a lofted sweep off a Yuvraj Singh full-toss straight down Gautam Gambhir8217;s throat on the mid-wicket fence. That triggered England8217;s collapse and, from 117 for three, Flintoff8217;s men, chasing 204, crumbled to 164 all out in the 38th over.

He didn8217;t forget his folly and, as if to atone for his mistake, it he skipped his breakfast the day after. 8220;It is one of the worst mornings I have had after a match,8221; said Pietersen.

But, at the same time, he defended his aggressive batting style. 8220;I8217;m not going to smash myself about as to the way I got out. It was just unfortunate that I hit it straight down to a fielder. Nine out of 10 times, I would have hit it into the back row on the stands.8221;