Kevin Pietersen is hoping England and Australia continue the friendly rivalry which made last year's Ashes series such a compelling spectacle.

The two teams are preparing to meet again down under, with the Australians looking to avenge England's thrilling 2-1 victory last time around.

The last edition was dubbed the series of the century' - and not just because it was such an evenly-fought contest.

England#s conduct during the series saw them awarded the International Cricket Council's Spirit of Cricket Award last week, although the Australians played their part in a series which will live long in the memory.

One of the enduring images of the series was Andrew Flintoff consoling Brett Lee after England's two-run victory in the second Test at Edgbaston - a moment which captured the camaraderie between the two sets of players.

Hampshire ace Pietersen is hoping to see more of the same in the coming weeks, despite concerns that the two teams have become too close.

"The sportsmanship was fantastic in last year's series," he said.

"One of the biggest highlights was Fred' Flintoff shaking Brett's hand in Birmingham.

"The world media took note of that, and the way the series was played was fantastic - that's how sport should be played."

Australian greats such as Allan Border, Merv Hughes and Steve Waugh have expressed their belief that the relationship between the two sides could have contributed to England's victory, with Australia losing the edge' they once had.

While many opposing players mixed off the field during last year's series, Pietersen's friendship with his Rose Bowl team-mate Shane Warne was the main concern. But Pietersen dismissed suggestions his and master leg-spinner Warne's closeness works in his favour.

"If anything, I think he wants to get me out more than he does somebody else so he can rib me more," he said.

"When we cross that white line we're out there playing for our countries and making sure we do as best as we can.

"He goes out and he really goes hard at me to try to get me out, just as much as I try to keep him from getting me out and seeing if I can score off him."

Pietersen believes the players should continue to mix off the field when the 2006/07 series starts at Brisbane on November 23 rather than renew the hostilities of Ashes series gone by.

Full story in today's Daily Echo