Hero Pietersen warned by Ponting

Ponting and Pietersen shake hands after the Bristol contest

Australian captain Ricky Ponting has warned England hero Kevin Pietersen to expect a more searching examination of his technique in the Test arena.

A magnificent 91 not out off 65 balls by Pietersen helped England beat Australia on Sunday in game three of the NatWest one-day series.

Pietersen now has a staggering average of 162.25 in one-day internationals.

But Ponting said: "I'm sure his techniques will be tested out a lot differently in the longer version."

Ponting, whose team have endured a horrendous week with four losses on the trot, was gracious in his praise of Pietersen.

Let's hope he continues this form and presents an irresistible case David Graveney Chairman of selectors

"He certainly strikes the ball very well. He is a big strong guy and he gets around the field pretty well," he said.

"He is a very good one-day cricketer and I'll have to wait until I see him in the longer version before making any judgements about him as a Test player."

Chairman of selectors David Graveney, talking to BBC Radio Five Live, said Pietersen was pressing all the right buttons to ensure he is considered for the Ashes.

He said: "In a Test match you may have to defend for long periods of time so you have a far more thorough examination of your technique at Test match level.

"But Kevin Pietersen is an outstanding player so let's hope he continues this form and presents an irresistible case to the selectors when they sit down at the end of the NatWest Challenge."

Australia's Test leg-spinner Shane Warne, who is also Pietersen's captain at Hampshire, desribed him as "phenomenal".

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"Once he gets in, it doesn't matter who's bowling. Spin, pace, short or full - he's got all the shots. He can hurt you and he's hard to bowl to, which the Australian boys found out for the first time.

"He hits the ball probably as hard as anyone in world.

"England, as I've said before, rejoice the fact you're playing good cricket and you've got excellent cricketers who can turn a game.

"Be excited by it, just don't get too far ahead of yourself," he added.