Melbourne Stars’ assistant coach has handed Border Bash star attraction Kevin Pietersen the ultimate compliment, comparing him with superstars Steve Smith and Virat Kohli.
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Highly-respected batting guru Trent Woodhill has worked with the two players constantly battling for the ‘world’s best’ tag of recent years.
He’s also been involved with South African wonderbat AB de Villiers and Australia’s own ‘thrashing machine’ David Warner.
“Kevin is keen to play before he goes to Perth for the Test match,” Woodhill said.
“If he’s not the best player I’ve worked with in terms of his game, then he’s definitely top three.
“He’s done it all in the game, but also he’s a big-game player.
“He hits the ball incredibly well and he just knows his game as well as anyone I’ve worked with.”
The Stars will field a powerhouse line-up against Sydney Thunder in Tuesday night’s match at the Lavington Sportsground.
If he’s not the best player I’ve worked with ... then he's definitely top three.
- Trent Woodhill
Pietersen, the big-hitting Ben Dunk and freakishly talented Glenn Maxwell are capable of tearing the match away from the Sydneysiders.
“When those guys click, it’s good fun to watch,” Woodhill said.
“The game’s built around having good players on show and being entertaining.
“That’s what we’re trying to do at the Stars, have a lot of fun and also entertain the crowd.”
Officials are hoping for another bumper crowd after the enormous success of last year’s inaugural Border Bash.
The men start at 6.30pm, with the women’s match, for competition points, from two o’clock.
The Thunder started by smashing a record 200 against the Renegades on Saturday.
“You hope in 10 years time this will be a massive event at Lavington,” Woodhill said.