Kevin Pietersen has said that a Test series victory against India could be “as big” as England’s 2005 Ashes triumph against Australia.

England won their first Test against India on Monday, with James Anderson bowling out three of their competitors to claim a 196-run win for the home team.

A sold-out crowd witnessed the fifth day of the Test match at Lord’s as hundreds of cricket fans lined the streets of St John’s Wood. Pietersen believes the atmosphere mirrored that of the famous 2005 Ashes win.

"Potentially, this is as big [as 2005]. You can see that from the number of people who turned up in the morning," said the prolific batsman.

"As we drove here the lads were commenting on the number of people outside. For us, as players, it's magnificent that the public think it's such a big series and hopefully we can get another full house [in the second Test] at Trent Bridge now.

"Obviously this is a huge series for both teams and for the public. It's going to be a huge summer and a huge series with the crowds showing such interest."

The South African-born cricketer was named man of the match after he hit a double century of 202 runs.