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Kevin Pietersen denies "drama" with switch-hit

Pietersen: 'No issue with switch-hit'
© PA Photos
Kevin Pietersen believes that his work has "paid off" after hitting a century on day three of the second Test against Sri Lanka.

England batsman Kevin Pietersen has insisted that there was "no drama" with the umpires after he was warned for time wasting.

The South African-born cricketer was behind England's surge to take a lead of 181 in Colombo on day three of the second Test against Sri Lanke after clinching a century.

Despite an impressive performance, the 31-year-old was the centre of controversy when Sri Lanka bowler Tillakaratne Dilshan stopped on three occasions because of Pietersen's constant shaping to switch-hit.

The Surrey player, who was later warned for the incidents, has claimed that there was not a problem between himself and the officials.

"I've put in some hard work in the nets and it has paid off," said Pietersen. "In the one-day series in Abu Dhabi and Dubai and into these Tests I have felt in fantastic form.

"I probably played a bit in one-day mode today but I think I will continue playing like that, why not. I feel like I'm in very good form and when I'm in form I like to cash in.

"The heat is a joke and I'm also a very big sweater, so a quick innings works. It just wouldn't work for me to block in that heat. There was no altercation over the switch-hit. It was just the timing. There was no drama at all. No issue."

England were bowled out by the close of play and will take to the field for Sri Lanka's second innings at the crease.

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