Controversial England batsman Kevin Pietersen's ability with the bat has been likened by former West Indies great Sir Vivian Richards to US boxing legend Muhammad Ali's prowess in the ring.
Richards is often compared to the South Africa-born cricketer due to their buccaneering style of batting, although Pietersen's outspoken attitude off the field and his run-ins with authority have made him hard to be loved by fans.
According to the Mirror, Richards reckoned that Pietersen, who is playing in his 100th Test match, has a rare talent that only the greats of the game have and believes that there are similarities between the batsman and Ali due to their talents and their ability to rub people up the wrong way.
Stating that Pietersen is shutting the mouths of all the people who once wished to see him fail for his antics off the field just like Ali did, Richards said that he has always loved watching Pietersen play, adding that just like Ali regained people's support with his boxing, similarly Pietersen plays the game in a way that turns people round.
Further hailing the batsman, Richards said that Pietersen is talented not only in his batting ability and what he can accomplish in the middle, but the way he does it, adding that similar to cricket greats like Sachin Tendulkar and Brian Lara, Pietersen bring something special to the party.
Richards further said that because of his problems in the past, Pietersen's story has had its ups and downs, like one or two other sportsmen.
Pietersen might have the flamboyant flamingo shot in his locker, as well as the switch-hit, but over his 99 Tests he has shown a gentler side too, the report added.