This run of poor form is getting a bit too long now. I know he has a great record, just like Cook had when he was struggling, but I am at a loss to see why he keeps his place. KP at number four seems the obvious choice to me.
3 for 15 this morning, 6 for 31 since new ball. COLLAPSE. Tbf though our middle order have been getting the runs previously. We'd be unbeatable if the whole team could hit form together.
^^^this^^^. Our middle order is the best area of the team right now. Personally I wouldn't drop Bell. KP is not coming back.
^^^this^^^. Our middle order is the best area of the team right now. Personally I wouldn't drop Bell. KP is not coming back.
Wood and Broad seem to coping well with it. Strange game, cricket But you can't help but love it, especially the way NZ are playing this two game series. What a shame we can't see them for five tests.
Actually think it's the opposite. They've tried coaching his natural attacking game out of him, hence why he keeps getting out hanging his bat or just meekly pushing at balls. He has a natural game to attack. Coaching that out of him has left him with little to stand behind. Actually think this game represents him playing more like his normal natural self. Would far rather Broad comes in, tries to smash 30 or 40 and we move on. Certainly 1st innings.
I agree with Geoffrey on this assessment of Bell, on TMS just now: "Bell has got some serious problems, let me tell you. It's the way he gets out - push-driving at the ball and being caught at slip. It's poor." No doubting his record in recent years, and I am sure he is still a great batsman. Bit of a rest back in county cricket might do him some good. I know what people are saying about KP being gone forever, but he shouldn't be, should he?
You are basing this on his cricketing ability. You don't really know how much of a disruption he is in the dressing room - so if the DoC has past experience of this and he says it's too much of a risk then you have to go by that.
Yes there is something in that, no doubt. We have a new coaching set up in place now though and, from what has been said about them, I'm not sure that mavericks like KP would be tolerated. I'd like to think though that Baillis could sit him down and tell him what's what. "You want to extend your England career Kevin? Fine with me, but you act like a TEAM player from now on". Might work, or perhaps KP has burnt too many bridges. I somehow doubt that though seeing as the team has changed so much. On the other hand Strauss might hate him so much that there is no way back for him. It's a pity - cracking batsman.
Yes there is something in that, no doubt. We have a new coaching set up in place now though and, from what has been said about them, I'm not sure that mavericks like KP would be tolerated. I'd like to think though that Baillis could sit him down and tell him what's what. "You want to extend your England career Kevin? Fine with me, but you act like a TEAM player from now on". Might work, or perhaps KP has burnt too many bridges. I somehow doubt that though seeing as the team has changed so much. On the other hand Strauss might hate him so much that there is no way back for him. It's a pity - cracking batsman.
I think he's burnt too many bridges, also he's at the back end of his career (he's 34 - 35 next month) so they want to blood some younger players for the future.
A distruptive 34 year old who scored one good score against a county that hasn't won in three years and at the lowest level of four day cricket should not be seen as a possible choice for the national team. Would have thought Alex Lees would be the next Yorkie in the mix. Is it the Roses clash this friday where the ECB are allowing our England players to play? I heard Bumble during the Lords test saying the ECB were allowing all England players to play one 20/20 before the 1 day internationals start, so I assume (unless plans have changed) we will have Root, Lyth and Balance available....
Pietersen shouldn't play cricket ever again for England. His biography, his constant spats with anyone close enough who doesn't agree with him (going back to his days since he first arrived in England) and his general approach to cricket these days are more than enough reason. I also had the "pleasure" of watching him for Surrey last season. His attitude was nothing short of disgusting. Laughing in the field when the ball was being bowled and it flying past him for a boundary. Signing autographs while the ball was being bowled, letting one go past him in the covers because he couldn't be bothered to crouch down. Show pony who is living on past glories. We've some decent talent coming through, if Bell was to be dropped for a while (and i'd persevere) let's bring someone else in rather than the pantomime of Pietersen.
I hope I hope the England lads are available this Friday. Big game and on Sky. I'm there in the football stand end. Hope it's not a washout like last year against Lancs