McGrath sets sights on Pietersen

McGrath believes Pietersen could struggle in Australia

Aussie veteran Glenn McGrath says Kevin Pietersen's attacking style could be his undoing in the Ashes series.

McGrath added Pietersen to a list of targets that already includes Andrew Strauss and Alastair Cook.

"I'm sure his team-mates would not be happy if Pietersen played a big shot and was dismissed cheaply when the pressure was really on.

"But given that he loves to play strokes from the outset that's always a chance," he said in a newspaper column.

You always feel as though you are a chance to get him out Glenn McGrath

McGrath, who took two wickets in Australia's six-wicket Champions Trophy win over England ion Saturday, makes a habit of naming his biggest target before a series begins.

His bold pronouncements a year ago saw him predict a 5-0 Ashes whitewash in England.

But his comments on Pietersen's attacking style will resonate as the batsman has a habit of getting out with expansive shots, usually when he has already made a substantial score.

"Without any doubt he will be one of the keys alongside Freddie Flintoff for England in this summer's Ashes campaign," McGrath wrote.

"Because of the way Pietersen plays, it's a bit like Brian Lara, you always feel as though you have a chance to get him out."

McGrath, who is Test cricket's all-time leading fast bowler with 542 wickets in 119 Tests, pointed out that playing under pressure will be tough in Australian conditions.

"Coming out and batting without any fear when the boys in front of you have put some runs on the board is one thing," he added.

"But coming out and batting without fear and playing your shots when there isn't as many runs on the board is another."