As expected, Kevin Pietersen was in demand from reporters and photographers at the SCG.

The flamboyant batsman hit a magnificent century at The Oval in September 2005 to help England clinch victory in an Ashes series for the first time in 18 years.

His good friend Shane Warne suffered at his hands that day after dropping him early on and Pietersen expects the leg-spinner to be fiercely competitive again.

"He wants to get me out more than somebody else. I don't think the friendship works to my advantage because when he and I cross that white line we make sure we do the best job for our countries."