 After a quiet start Pietersen really enjoyed himself at Lord's |
Kevin Pietersen insists Steve Harmison can overcome his inconsistent form to bowl England to victory in the first Test against West Indies on Monday. Pietersen made a fine 109 in England's second innings effort of 284-8, which set the tourists a stiff target of 401.
But Harmison has struggled throughout and took only one wicket in the West Indies' first innings.
"We're not concerned with Steve at all - we just know he's going to click," said Pietersen.
"He's bowled so well for Durham at the start of the season, he's been brilliant and I don't know whether it was the slope or what it is here at Lord's, but when he gets it right he's a handful."
Pietersen's confidence comes despite Harmison bowling wides with his first two deliveries in his only over before the close of play on Sunday evening.
 | We can't control the weather so it's a case of us bowling on a good length, being patient and hopefully getting a chance to win a Test match |
"We saw when he came round the wicket last night and bowled four pretty decent balls - if he does that for two or three hours then who knows?" said Pietersen.
"The sky is the limit for that bloke - he could be the best bowler in the world."
Rain is forecast for Monday but the 26-year-old believes they can secure victory and go 1-0 up in the series.
"We got 400 runs ahead and no-one's scored that in a day here," he added.
"We can't control the weather so it's a case of us bowling on a good length, being patient and hopefully getting a chance to win a Test match."
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Reflecting on his century, Pietersen said getting out of "one-day mode" was the key to his improved form after he made 26 in the first innings.
"The other day I was playing far too freely for my liking and was frustrated with the way I got out," he explained.
"So I went into the nets and practised leaving, playing straight and making the bowler bowl towards me."
He added: "I practised playing in different areas and Test match cricket again."
Pietersen accelerated after a slow start on day four against the Windies, putting on 102 with Paul Collingwood to give the hosts impetus.
Pietersen and Chris Gayle were frequently seen exchanging words in the home side's second innings but the England star insisted there was no animosity.
"Chris is a very good friend of mine, we've known each other for two years and speak a lot, so it was good fun," he said.
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