Kevin Pietersen admitted to being ‘flattered’ at the interest shown in him by Steve Waugh after the Australia great told England to steer clear of giving the controversial batsman a Test recall.

Waugh, one of the outstanding batsmen of his generation, said Pietersen ‘may have been a great player but I wouldn't class him as one now’.

However, Pietersen refused to engage in a war of words with the former Australia captain, telling his Twitter followers: ‘I grew up idolising guys like Steve Waugh, so for him to be even commenting on my situation is quite flattering. He's a legend! Love him!’

South Africa-born batsman Pietersen has not played for England since being axed last year following the team's 5-0 Ashes thrashing in Australia.

But the 34-year-old has repeatedly insisted he wants to regain his place in the England set-up.