I reckon it's the ECB who'll have this come back and bite them on the arse. KP made an unprecedented climb down last night. As a proud Yorkshireman I hope Barstow comes good but I hardly think this match with all it's importance is the right stage to have two kids at five and six, the pressure on the top four might backfire. There's no side in cricket that would be made stronger by not having Pietersen in it. Forget this ******** about the dressing room, batting is a lonely game at the best of times. Poor decision.
The ECB had no other option, KP has only himself to blame but I'm sure the £1million pounds from IPL will soften the blow.
It'd possibly be the right decision if it was permanent - but he'll be back. Probably quite soon. The ECB won't dare not pick him. And I wouldn't be surprised if one of Bairstow or Taylor got a mystery injury in the next couple of days
The ECB have made a mistake. They haven't made a lot in the last 2/3 years but with this its a mistake and a big one.
That's sort of my point ryhill - if they were taking a stand and washing their hands of him permanently I'd get it. I wouldn't agree with it - but I'd get it. The fact is though that it won't be permanent exclusion, it'll be one game. Possibly the one day series after too, given its SA. But he'll be back soon, I don't doubt it. Which is why I don't see the point. A case of noses and faces.
I'm not sure dropping him for the third test when he's our most in-form batsmen by a mile and then inevitably recalling him shortly afterwards is the right move.