London: England star Kevin Pietersen has defended his teammates following accusations that the tourists overstepped the fair play line during the first Test against Bangladesh.

Bowlers Graeme Swann and Stuart Broad have apologised for incidents during the 181-run win in the series opener in Chittagong.

Off-spinner Swann swore at Junaid Siddique after dismissing the batsman for 106 in the home side's second innings, while seamer Broad failed to look at the umpire when appealing for a successful lbw shout against Abdur Razzak.

However Pietersen is adamant that England must continue to stand up for themselves, declaring that Test cricket is a "man's game".

"It's a man's game this, it's not a game for girls - especially when you're playing Test match cricket," he told Sky Sports.

"You go to the Ashes, I was christened in international cricket and believe me I got a lot worse in my first Ashes series against those Australians than anything we've chucked at the Bangladeshis out here.

"So I'd say it's an absolute load of nonsense the way the boys have been made out to be because I think they've been brilliant.

"We haven't crossed the line and I think the boys have been fantastic in everything they've done."