Kevin Pietersen Decodes His Spin Mastery As England Look To Recreate 2012 India Glory

Underscoring the need for a robust defense, England batting great Kevin Pietersen has said his relentless defensive drills at the nets was the mantra to his success during the triumphant 2012-13 tour of India. Pietersen's 186 off 233 balls, in the second Test in Mumbai, is seen as one of the best performances by a foreign batter on a tour of India. The knock helped reverse the momentum after England were well beaten in the first Test, setting the tourists on the way to their first series win in India in 27 years. India have not lost a series at home since then.

"Getting runs is just going to be a fluke without a defence," the 43-year-old told Mike Atherton in a candid interview in The Times.

As England get ready for the upcoming five-match series, Pietersen's thoughts provide a clear view of the challenges and opportunities that await them in India.

Pietersen recalled that the English batters would do shadow-batting "all the time".

"We used to do this drill all the time in India, Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow and me. Rooty is spectacular, as good as anyone.

"It's about learning not to commit yourself on to the front foot; about waiting to pick the length of the ball, so you are not playing only with your hands.

"To do that, the drill is to hit any ball, wherever it pitches, through the off side." "I'd spend time in the nets just defending; it's actually not negative to defend. The ability to defend gives you the confidence to be able to attack.

"Defend; play straight lines, don't plant your front foot; wait for the ball; don't play just with your hands. If you can do that and you have the wherewithal to be able to commit to a solid defence and trust it, then it allows you to loosen up," he added.

Pietersen's innings stood out