http://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2 ... atsman-ecb
I'd love to hear other informed opinions!
What is really behind this: Kevin Pietersen
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What is really behind this: Kevin Pietersen
Ambition driven by passion, rather than money, is as strong an elixir as is Port. http://www.fortheloveofport.com
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Paul Fountain
- Posts: 488
- Joined: Mon Nov 08, 2010 9:26 pm
- Location: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Re: What is really behind this: Kevin Pietersen
Are you taking an interest in cricket Roy?
I'm sure that most of the US contingent will be wondering what it is all about.
Anayway, on to Pietersen....
He has always been a divisive character, and the perception has been that he hasn't been able to reel in his ego for the good of the team. To a certain extent, Brian Lara suffered from the same perception.
I think the ECB have seen this as the best opportunity to get rid of Pietersen before he finds form again. We don't really know what happened behind closed doors during the test matches, particularly in Adelaide and Perth, but it wouldn't have been a happy mood in the dressing room, and there have obviously been some tensions. It will be interesting to see what comes out, particularly if Graham Swan decides to write a book after his sudden retirement. What is certain is that England were expected to win the Ashes comfortably in Australia, but the opposite happened and in a much bigger way than anybody predicted.
Personally I think a disproportionate amount of blame has been laid on Pietersen and he wasn't any worse than most of his adopted countrymen.
What is a real surprise is that they have left him out of of the Twenty20 world cup that will happen in a few weeks. The good news for Pietersen is that he will now command a higher price at the IPL player auction in a few days time, as he won't be required for international duty.
I'll be interested to see an English perspective on this.
I'm sure that most of the US contingent will be wondering what it is all about.
Anayway, on to Pietersen....
He has always been a divisive character, and the perception has been that he hasn't been able to reel in his ego for the good of the team. To a certain extent, Brian Lara suffered from the same perception.
I think the ECB have seen this as the best opportunity to get rid of Pietersen before he finds form again. We don't really know what happened behind closed doors during the test matches, particularly in Adelaide and Perth, but it wouldn't have been a happy mood in the dressing room, and there have obviously been some tensions. It will be interesting to see what comes out, particularly if Graham Swan decides to write a book after his sudden retirement. What is certain is that England were expected to win the Ashes comfortably in Australia, but the opposite happened and in a much bigger way than anybody predicted.
Personally I think a disproportionate amount of blame has been laid on Pietersen and he wasn't any worse than most of his adopted countrymen.
What is a real surprise is that they have left him out of of the Twenty20 world cup that will happen in a few weeks. The good news for Pietersen is that he will now command a higher price at the IPL player auction in a few days time, as he won't be required for international duty.
I'll be interested to see an English perspective on this.