Mitchell Johnson and Kevin Pietersen in fiery Twitter exchange during first Ashes Test

THEY went toe to toe in the middle plenty of times, and now former Aussie paceman Mitchell Johnson and Kevin Pietersen continued their rivalry — this time on social media.

Kevin Pietersen and Mitchell Johnson exchange words during the Boxing Day Test in 2013. Picture: Colleen Petch

THEY went toe to toe in the middle plenty of times, and now former Aussie paceman Mitchell Johnson and Kevin Pietersen have continued their rivalry — this time on social media.

As Australia romped to a big win in the opening Test at the Gabba, another Ashes battle was being played out with Johnson and ‘KP’ a quick exchange on Twitter.

Johnson opened proceedings on Saturday when he tweeted Pietersen and former England captain Michael Vaughan, saying the pair had been “carrying on” about the tourists’ pace attack.

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On Monday morning Pietersen responded, the former England star swiping away Johnson’s comments with little fanfare.

Hey @KP24 @MichaelVaughan yesterday were carrying on about the pommy fast bowlers being able to bowl in the 140’s. Ever since they’ve taken the second new ball they’ve been bowling medium pace. They are allowed to bend their backs, and there’s 4 of them #ashes #sweatbandswinger

— Mitchell Johnson (@MitchJohnson398) November 25, 2017

😴😴😴 Good response #flog

— Mitchell Johnson (@MitchJohnson398) November 27, 2017

“Mitchell, is this you or your management tweeting? If it’s you, you (sic) not helping yourself!” Pietersen replied.

“If it’s your management, ask them to stop or sack them!”

Johnson was brief with his response, but added the hashtag ‘flog’.

The pair enjoyed some heated on-field duels during their Test careers, highlighted by a mid-pitch confrontation during the Boxing Day Test four years ago.

Kevin Pietersen and Mitchell Johnson exchange words at the MCG in 2013. Picture: Colleen Petch.