Kevin Pietersen Says 2005 Ashes-Winning England Team Better Than Alastair Cook and Company

Exiled England batsman Kevin Pietersen has hailed his side's Ashes win against Australia as "brilliant", but not as good as the one he won the coveted series with in 2005 which had stronger batting and bowling, and a tougher Australia team to overcome. (James Anderson Feared Alastair Cook Would Quit As England Captain)

Cook's side reclaimed the Ashes with a remarkable fourth Test win at Trent Bridge in just two days and 40 minutes after bowling the series favourites out for 60 runs on the first day. (David Warner Defends Presence of Wives and Girlfriends During The Ashes)

"This team has been brilliant, but our 2005 side was better. I think our batting line-up was stronger than this side, and with the likes of (Simon) Jones, (Steve) Harmison and (Andrew) Flintoff we definitely had a much stronger bowling attack," Pietersen was quoted as saying by dailymail.co.uk on Monday. (Baggy Green Culture Disappeared Under Clarke: John Buchanan)

"There were stronger characters in both sides in the 2005 series too. Australia had the likes of (Shane) Warne, (Adam) Gilchrist, (Justin) Langer, (Matthew) Hayden, and (Ricky) Ponting while we had Harmison, (Michael) Vaughan, Flintoff, and me whacking it round with a stupid hairstyle. So I think there was definitely a lot more for the crowds in 2005," the former England captain added. (Aussie Skipper-in-Waiting Steve Smith Promises More Aggression)

The 35-year-old added that the appointment of laid-back Aussie Trevor Bayliss as head coach and Paul Farbrace being retained after the sacking of Peter Moores as inspired and the catalyst for a freer style of play that the youthful England squad can flourish under. (Ian Chappell Calls For Revamped Domestic System in Australia)

"I think ( director Andrew) Strauss has made some good decisions, especially with Trevor Bayliss and Paul Fabrace and those guys have done a fantastic job in turning it around this summer," Pietersen said. (No Mixed Emotions After Guiding England to Ashes Win: Trevor Bayliss)