Sydney, Oct 1 : England cricket captain Kevin Pietersen has the experience and talent to become the world's best batsman, former Aussie spinner and one of the world's best bowlers Shane Warne has said.

The two had struck a close friendship during the 2005 Ashes. And, since then Pietersen has hit 13 Test centuries averaging 50.51, and also took over the England captaincy.

Warne said there was much more to come from the 28-year-old. "I would say that he is still learning about the game and is yet to reach his peak," added the spin legend.

"There is no doubt in my mind that Kevin Pietersen can become the best batsman in the world. There will be no doubt in his mind, either. He's not far away now!" The Sun quoted him as saying.

Warne added: "He has bags of confidence, and, let's be honest, he has a lot to be confident about. Not many batsmen can average 50 in Test cricket but still look as though they are capable of better. Pietersen is not exactly inexperienced, but he took to international cricket so quickly that it's easily forgotten that he made his Test debut as recently as 2005. People might assume that he started earlier, because most players need at least a year to find their feet."

ANI