'New look' England squad has potential to defend Ashes Down Under: Pietersen

London, May 22(ANI): England batsman Kevin Pietersen has said that the new look Three Lions squad has the potential to defend the Ashes in Australia under coach Andy Flower and captain Andrew Strauss.

England's last series Down Under had resulted in an embarrassing 5-0 whitewash, but Pietersen claims that the current team has the potential to give a tough fight to the Aussies in their own back yard.

"Words can't describe how I feel right now after the fortnight I've had. It's always good to beat Australia [Twenty20 World Cup final]. To do it away from England and on a flat wicket is something the boys can take a lot of positives from. I can't say we will do this or do that, win the Ashes and all, but I can say this team will keep improving all the time," The Sun quoted Pietersen, as saying.

"The team spirit in 2005 was special. We had an incredible side and the way the guys enjoyed each other's success was the key. And I can see that in this team. Everyone in this side is now dovetailing much like that great Australian side of a few years ago," he added.

The 29-year-old also dismissed reports emerging in the Australian press that branded the Twenty20 World Cup winning England squad as a team of 'imports'.

"People are entitled to their opinions of course, but I think it's time to move on from all that. It's the kind of heckling we're going to get at the end of the year in Australia though I guess. We get it here too, but to see England winning is the best thing," Pietersen said.

"I don't think there should be any negatives about what we've achieved over the last few weeks - it's all down to the year we've had under Flower and Strauss," he added. (ANI)