Fair play to Yuvraj - KP

Pietersen takes his hat off to sensational innings

Last updated: 14th November 2008

Kevin Pietersen England v India 1st ODI Nov 08

Pietersen: 'You've got to say well done'

You have just got to take your hat off to the way they played.

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Kevin Pietersen paid tribute to Yuvraj Singh after the Indian batsman took the first one-day international away from England in Rajkot.

The left-hander made 138 not out from 78 balls as India racked up 387-5 in their 50 overs, a total that proved way beyond the tourists as they slumped to 229 all out.

"If you stand and watch an innings like Yuvraj played and (Virender) Sehwag you have just got to take your hat off to the way they played," Pietersen told Sky Sports.

"It's an amazing batting pitch. You just need to touch it and it goes for four... and a bit harder and it goes for six."

Pietersen - who top scored for England with 63 - will now analyse where they went wrong ahead of the second ODI in Indore on Monday.

"We'll sit down and see where we made a few mistakes," he said. "But if a bloke (Yuvraj) plays like that you're behind the game straight away.

"It was a bit of a licence to go out and enjoy yourself. You've got to say well done, they played super cricket today.

"You've got to try to make sure you go over what you've done not so well and regroup. There's six games left in the series and we want to bring some real good cricket to Indore."