KEVIN '600' PIETERSEN has been handed a new nickname for the Ashes summer - by potential Test adversary Shane Warne.

Pietersen is preparing to play alongside Warne for Hampshire, and he hopes to target the leg spinner when the Ashes series gets underway in July.

But Warne, who has 583 Test wickets at 25.51, has already set his sights on making Pietersen his 600th victim.

"He's named me 600 because he wants me to be his 600th Test wicket so it will be interesting if he is bowling at me on 599!" said Pietersen.

Pietersen's friendship with his new county captain is also helping him cope with the demands of being a cricketing celebrity.

"'He's good to talk to and is able to help me because he's been there and done it. He's experienced all the stuff I'm experiencing with the press, media and sponsors. He's had that all day, every day for most of his career so it's definitely an advantage knowing him.

"People say he can get to know my technique but the Australian side we play against will have all the information on their database anyway."

Pietersen and Warne sledged each other during last year's championship matches between Hampshire and Notts, when honours finished even.

Pietersen made 49 as Notts won by an innings and 44 runs at the Rose Bowl - but Warne dismissed him for a second ball-duck in the draw at Trent Bridge.

The next time they face each other in opposition could be in the first Ashes Test of the summer at Lord's on July 21.

"It will be good to play against him because he's one of the key figures in that Australian side and to be a mate of his walking out to bat should at least mean that he won't be that in-your-face," said Pietersen.

"He'll be aggressive, but it'll be on a friendly and professional basis, it won't be the rude, crude stuff that I'm sure he's dealt to players in the past."

Pietersen continued: "Shane's a legend, the best spin bowler that's ever played the game and the way he loves this club was instrumental in getting me down," added the 24-year-old.

"I spoke to him on the phone and came down and saw him as soon as I heard he was interested in getting me here."

Pietersen's sensational debut one-day international series against South Africa has catapulted him to stardom and helped him forget some bitter memories from his time at Notts - where he could return with Hampshire in the first week of June.

"I had a great three years at Nottingham and then a few months that didn't go according to plan and a year I really didn't enjoy.

"There wasn't any unfinished business there but I was treading water and this is a good challenge at a brilliant club.

"It's definitely invigorated me, it's instrumental to get a change and get things going, and I love a challenge.

"I don't mind doing things the hard way, playing down here is a challenge I want to take."