Pietersen: Trott was putting too much pressure on himself

Former England batsman Kevin Pietersen has insisted erstwhile team-mate Jonathan Trott was offered plenty of support prior to November's exit from the tour of Australia.

Trott played in the first Test in Brisbane late last year, scoring a mere 10 and nine, before being released from the squad due to a stress-related illness.

"He has said that I was the first person to notice his problem," Pietersen told the Times of India.

"I told him that he needed to calm down and he was putting too much pressure on himself.

"Contrary to popular belief, I have very good relationship with most of the guys in the English dressing room.

"I like to look after them. If someone is struggling, I like to go up and put an arm around him."

While Pietersen is preparing for a lucrative stint with the Delhi Daredevils in the Indian Premier League as captain, Trott recently returned to competitive cricket in Warwickshire's twin fixtures against Gloucestershire and Oxford University.

"Jonathan is doing quite well now. He came down with his wife during the opening of my new salon last week and he was looking much better," added Pietersen.