Flower dismayed by Pietersen boos

Andy Flower is saddened every time he hears Kevin Pietersen booed as he walks to the crease to bat for England in his native South Africa.

Pietersen has received a hostile reception from the crowd at each venue in the ongoing one-day international series, which the tourists lead 2-1. The final fixture is set to take place on Friday at Kingsmead, once Pietermaritzburg-born Pietersen's home ground, and Flower is disappointed the South African crowds feel the need to boo England's talismanic former skipper.

"I think it's really disappointing to hear booing of a great cricketer walking out to compete for his country," he said. "I think that's sad. I didn't like hearing boos when (Ricky) Ponting walked out to bat (in last summer's Ashes); I don't like hearing them when someone's taking a conversion in rugby."

Asked what may be the reason Pietersen is getting all the rough treatment - while the home crowds show little interest in booing England's other South Africa-born players, such as Jonathan Trott - Flower suggests: "I think there's a bit of the pantomime villain scenario."

Either way, though, he does not see the heckling getting to England's inked-in ODI number three.

"I think he's used to that sort of reaction. I really don't think it affects him," he said.

As for Pietersen's lack of significant runs in his comeback from injury so far, Flower is merely waiting for the inevitable.

"I'm sure he is frustrated, because he chases success - and quite rightly," he said.

"But I don't think he'll be fretting. He's working very hard, and I'm sure he will score heavy runs at some stage of this tour. I don't see a problem."