GEORGE DOBELL: England's sixth all-time Test run-scorer has offered his services to Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum, who he believes he would have excelled under during his playing career
Kevin Pietersen believes he would have scored "a load more runs" had he played under the management of Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum.
With 8,181 runs, Pietersen sits sixth on the list of England's top scorers in Test cricket and, of those with more, only Joe Root averages more than his 47.28.
But Pietersen feels he would have scored considerably more under a management regime which encouraged his natural positivity and aggression.
"People remember that switch-hit I played off Murali at Edgbaston in 2006," Pietersen told The Cricketer. "But I can tell you, I only played that shot once I knew I had made enough runs to make sure I wouldn't be dropped for the next Test.
"I used to get called all sorts of names in the media if I was out playing an attacking shot. I used to get hammered if I was out trying to attack the bowling.
Pietersen on the attack against Muttiah Muralitharan (Stu Forster/Getty Images)
"I love the way the team are playing now. It's exciting, it's positive and I think you'll see it bring the best out of the players.
"If I been given the trust the players in this team have been given under the new management, I would have felt free to play as I knew I did at my best. I'd have loved to play under them, I really would.
"I can only imagine how much happier I would have been, how much better I would have been, playing under this management regime. I would have scored a load more runs. I would have scored so many more runs."
Such is the respect that Pietersen has for the new regime, he is open to working with them and the team if he feels he can be of service.
"There's a lot of water under the bridge with me and England," Pietersen added. "But Rob Key is a good buddy. I speak to him and all the other guys. I would be very happy to contribute in any way I can."
Pietersen played the Old Course ahead of the 150th Open Championship, starting on Thursday (July 14)
These days Pietersen is far more likely to be seen on a golf course than at a cricket ground. His handicap, once as low as 1.8, is currently three and he went around the Old Course at St Andrews in four over on Sunday (July 10).
"I hated golf when I was a player," he says. "I just couldn't see the point of being on your feet for several hours. I wasn't part of that golf group at all. I hated it.
"But now I love it. We moved out to a golf course a few years ago and I work on my game almost every day. I use it to socialise and I use it for business. I'd much rather spend a few hours playing a round of golf with someone than drink too much wine and spend the time sitting in a restaurant.
"It's good for my mental and physical health. I've no thoughts of trying to turn pro or anything like that – I think I'd ruin it for myself if I started taking it too seriously – but it has helped me replace the big part cricket used to play in my life. I love it."
Kevin Pietersen played the Old Course, St Andrews as part of the 150th Open celebrations
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