Pietersen says Ashes defeat at Lord's 'nightmare' for England

Out-of-favour batsman Kevin Pietersen has described England's 405-run defeat in the second Ashes Test against Australia at Lord's as 'nightmare' for the Alastair Cook-led side.

Chasing a daunting target of 509, England were bundled out for a dismal 103 in mere 37 overs as Australia levelled the five-match series 1-1 in an imperious style.

Pietersen said that Lord's was a nightmare for England, adding that nothing went according to plan for them and were clearly outplayed from the start, Sport24 reported.

However, the South African-born batsman insisted that England shouldn't press panic button yet by making wholesale changes.

Pietersen asserted that England need to step back and relax, insisting that they are 1-1 against arguably the best team in the world and would be desperate to get back to winning ways.

England will take on a buoyant Australian side in the third Test at Edgbaston on 29 July.