'Star' Pietersen insists 'often-perceived' arrogance is actually 'confidence'

Star England batsman Kevin Pietersen has slammed suggestions that he is arrogant and insisted that what people perceives as arrogance, he calls it confidence in his ability to perform.

Pietersen will celebrate his 100th Test against Australia at the Gabba Test, but the milestone seemed out of reach last year following his axing from the England team, which followed explosive revelations he sent text messages to rival South African players criticising his then-captain Andrew Strauss.

According to News.com.au, the controversial batsman, however, claimed that he has learned from the darkest days of his international career and also defended himself against the widely-held perception he is arrogant and a toxic influence on the English side, saying that he calls it confidence in his ability and desire to perform every day.

Stating that it is not documented how hard he trains everyday, Pietersen, who has 7887 Test runs at 48.39 with 23 centuries, also said that he had to fight some tough battles and be single minded in what he had to achieve, adding that getting to his 100th Test feels quite surreal.