Pietersen pleased with Ponting praise

Jaipur: England batsman Kevin Pietersen was happy to hear that Australian skipper Ricky Ponting considered him as the most dangerous batsman in the world today.

Ponting has also gone on to predict that Pietersen could develop into the next superstar of world cricket.

According to the skipper, "Pietersen is the one who is a standout at the moment. His technique, although it looks a bit different, has stood up very well at international level. He is potentially very good."

Pietersen considers this special since Ponting is known to very choosy in his praise, especially for his opponents. Ponting has categorised Pietersen in the likes of the master blasters Virender Sehwag and Adam Gilchrist who do not fear to play their shots.

And what does Pietersen think about Ponting? According to him, Ponting is a genius. "I would want to reach his level. He is a great entertainer and when he goes out to bat something is bound to happen. He is one player who can hit the first ball for six," said Pietersen, who believes that a disciplined player can reach great heights. And does he think that Ponting's analysis of him is right?

"I am a very old fashioned guy. I believe in competitiveness and discipline," said Pietersen, who, in sharp contrast to his cricketing style, is extremely fashionable.