Star England [ Images ] batsman Kevin Pietersen [ Images ], who has not been in form of late, has laughed off criticism aimed at him by former Australian cricket team coach John Buchanan [ Images ], and described the latter as "a nobody."

Buchanan, who won three out of four Ashes series during his six-year stint with Australia [ Images ], described Pietersen as potential weak link, which the hosts could exploit when the battle for the famous urn begins in Brisbane [ Images ] on November 25.

The 57-year-old said Pietersen had the potential to be "a major problem" if he did not halt the alarming slump in form which has seen him go 27 Test innings without a century.

The Sydney [ Images ] Morning Herald quoted Pietersen, who will fly out with the rest of the England squad to Australia on Friday, as retorting: "I didn't react to it (Buchanan's comments) because it was strange that he made headlines.

I'm not interested in what he has to say. Who is he? He's a nobody.

"He had the best team to coach in the history of cricket. Anyone could have coached that team. He has done nothing else solid so I won't even take it with a pinch of salt," he added.