Botham urges Oz fans to 'be nice' to Pietersen to 'get under skin' in Ashes

Legendary England all-rounder Sir Ian Botham has advised Australian fans to 'be nice' to explosive England batsman Kevin Pietersen instead of slamming him with verbal shots if they want to get under his skin during the Ashes.

Pietersen has been a walking headline for much of his career with his flamboyance and perceived arrogance, which makes him a natural magnet for opposition fans' ire, both on and off the field, and he seems to take glee in goading his Ashes foes into taking pot shots at him.

According to News.com.au, Botham, who filled a similar role in fans' minds to Pietersen during his lengthy career, believes that this is all a part of the South African-born batsman's tactics to get the best out of himself, adding that the constant drama surrounding Pietersen is just how the player gets the best out of himself.

Botham also said that he does not actually read anything into whatever peccadilloes Pietersen gets himself involved into in the build up of any series, adding that he believes Pietersen is just going through the motions.

Botham further said that as Pietersen wants to be on the big stage and wants to walk out in Brisbane with his head up, he is backing the crowd to get at him, adding that he thrives on such behaviour.