England batsman Kevin Pietersen has labeled the Australians 'convicts' on Twitter ahead of the first Test at the Gabba.
According to News.com.au, the tweets drew a response from former Australian Test batsman Damien Martyn, who questioned Pietersen's reference to British criminals banished Down Under in the 19th century.
Pietersen had been under an injury cloud for England's match against a New South Wales XI outfit, but his troublesome knee has been given the all-clear, the report said.
The batsman is not afraid to crawl under Australia's skin, the report added.
In his new Ashes diary, Michael Clarke revealed how Pietersen criticised his decision to call for a referral during the recent series in England, then gave him a send-off when the technology upheld the Australian captain's dismissal, according to the report.