The Cricket Thread

[Saddlerrad]

So then Strauss says 'Kevin isn't banned from playing Cricket for England, but the issue of trust between everyone at the ECB/England and KP has eroded to the point where it may never be mended, Kevin isn't in our current SHORT-TERM thoughts'.

Hmmm, I'd rather they just put him out of their misery. That little glimmer of light will surely make him stay and fight hard at Surrey this year. If England are losing constantly this summer and the pressure cooker of the media is on, how bad will it look if they continue to leave KP out and he's scoring thousands of runs.

 

[Who Needs Mourinho]

Root promoted to vice captain of the test side but Morgan kept as one day captain seems quite odd.

 

[Dazza]

What i find silly about the whole thing is Strauss has said KP won't play for Eng, but offered him an advisory role to help Eng.Don't think KP is going to take Strauss up on that offer.

 

[Who Needs Mourinho]

What i find silly about the whole thing is Strauss has said KP won't play for Eng, but offered him an advisory role to help Eng.Don't think KP is going to take Strauss up on that offer.

He rejected it.
It's pretty obvious that rather than the ECB or Strauss making the decision it's the likes of Cook, Broad and Anderson who don't want to him back.

 

[Modernist]

Is Cook still the captain? Surely they can't keep him captain after whats happend to England over the past couple of years.

 

[Skinner]

Yep

 

[slaphead]

The dressing rooms of notts , Hampshire and england would disagree with you as well as the ecb and a number of coaches who have worked with him.

Many moons ago I played Colts cricket at Hants, made a couple of second XI games too. A couple of lads I played with then are now on the county staff and and the stories they tell of KP aren't pretty. He is by no means alone in that though.

All the talk of him being brought in and managed, like David Warner, I would agree if he were 10 years younger and would be a fixture for the forseeable future, but I cannot see him wanting a winter tour to Pakistan and South Africa. I suspect if we weren't playing the Aussies this summer then KP would be playing in the IPL as we speak.

History shows us that when it comes to priorities, KP puts himself first. Strauss talked about trust issues and I honestly can't see how playing under Cook and Strauss after destroying them in his book last year. He had absolutley no need to release that book at that time, it smacked to me of toys out of the pram.

Surely Strauss' job now is the long term future of England cricket? I really don't think bringing KP back for one last big time hurrah at the expense of vital experience for young players like Hales and Lyth is worth the hassle. Those two could learn so much from two home series against two of the best current Test playing sides, experience that will benefit England in the long term.

 

[The Alex]

Excuse my ignorance but could somebody please tell me what KP actually did to be kicked out of the team? I understand he was texting opposition players but what exactly happened

 

[George Reilly's Hairpiece]

Not an auspicious beginning to Strauss' tenure. Not sure that he could have overseen a more shambolic first 24 hours, save for maybe calling Pietersen a c**t again on TV.

Rather than take the tough decision, he's gone for a half arsed approach of saying that the door isn't closed on Pietersen. The idea that he won't select him because he can't be trusted, yet then offers him a job that requires him to work with him is laughable. I'd have more respect for him if he just came out and said that Pietersen will never play for England again, period, even if I'd don't agree with that stance.

 

[Aber gas]

Many moons ago I played Colts cricket at Hants, made a couple of second XI games too. A couple of lads I played with then are now on the county staff and and the stories they tell of KP aren't pretty. He is by no means alone in that though.

All the talk of him being brought in and managed, like David Warner, I would agree if he were 10 years younger and would be a fixture for the forseeable future, but I cannot see him wanting a winter tour to Pakistan and South Africa. I suspect if we weren't playing the Aussies this summer then KP would be playing in the IPL as we speak.

History shows us that when it comes to priorities, KP puts himself first. Strauss talked about trust issues and I honestly can't see how playing under Cook and Strauss after destroying them in his book last year. He had absolutley no need to release that book at that time, it smacked to me of toys out of the pram.

Surely Strauss' job now is the long term future of England cricket? I really don't think bringing KP back for one last big time hurrah at the expense of vital experience for young players like Hales and Lyth is worth the hassle. Those two could learn so much from two home series against two of the best current Test playing sides, experience that will benefit England in the long term.

I'm completely happy if that's the way england want to go . We move on from kp with younger players gaining experience, although if this is the policy I don't want to see recalls for the likes of plunkett , Bresnan , tredwell or Morgan because that will completely undermine everything that's trying to be achieved . If we're going for a break from the past let's make it a clean one and stick with it .

 

[Who Needs Mourinho]

I'm completely happy if that's the way england want to go . We move on from kp with younger players gaining experience, although if this is the policy I don't want to see recalls for the likes of plunkett , Bresnan , tredwell or Morgan because that will completely undermine everything that's trying to be achieved . If we're going for a break from the past let's make it a clean one and stick with it .

Getting rid of Plunkett for example from the test squad if there are no viable replacements would be just stupid. As for the other three I think it's pretty obvious that it is ODI's at best for them.

 

[Super_horns]

Excuse my ignorance but could somebody please tell me what KP actually did to be kicked out of the team? I understand he was texting opposition players but what exactly happened

He wasn't very complementary about Strauss and others in those texts...and then when he came back caused trouble in the Ashes down under when we lost 5-0...allegedly.

 

[slaphead]

I'm completely happy if that's the way england want to go . We move on from kp with younger players gaining experience, although if this is the policy I don't want to see recalls for the likes of plunkett , Bresnan , tredwell or Morgan because that will completely undermine everything that's trying to be achieved . If we're going for a break from the past let's make it a clean one and stick with it .

Plunkett is in form an bowling well. Plus he's still only 30 so has a good few years left yet, and has been pointed out, we are short of in form quicks. However, if the strategy is to put him in the squad to carry the drinks, that's pointless, leave him out and expose a young bowler to the England squad dressing room. But who though, is anyones guess.

 

[Who Needs Mourinho]

Plunkett is in form an bowling well. Plus he's still only 30 so has a good few years left yet, and has been pointed out, we are short of in form quicks. However, if the strategy is to put him in the squad to carry the drinks, that's pointless, leave him out and expose a young bowler to the England squad dressing room. But who though, is anyones guess.

Exactly I would want Plunkett and Wood both in the team alongside Anderson. Also pointless picking Stokes when Cook hardly ever gives him a chance to bowl.

 

[Aber gas]

Plunkett is in form an bowling well. Plus he's still only 30 so has a good few years left yet, and has been pointed out, we are short of in form quicks. However, if the strategy is to put him in the squad to carry the drinks, that's pointless, leave him out and expose a young bowler to the England squad dressing room. But who though, is anyones guess.

Plunkett has never been given a fair go , sometimes because of his own attitude , sometimes because of the whims of selectors but I believe it's time to move on . The selectors need to be looking at Overton , mills , Harris and Gregory . They also need to work out wtf their going to do with Finn and as "who needs mourhinio " rightly says when is stokes going to be allowed a fair crack at bowling . Just a bit to do then and that's without getting onto spinners

 

[CFC2010]

Many moons ago I played Colts cricket at Hants, made a couple of second XI games too. A couple of lads I played with then are now on the county staff and and the stories they tell of KP aren't pretty. He is by no means alone in that though.

All the talk of him being brought in and managed, like David Warner, I would agree if he were 10 years younger and would be a fixture for the forseeable future, but I cannot see him wanting a winter tour to Pakistan and South Africa. I suspect if we weren't playing the Aussies this summer then KP would be playing in the IPL as we speak.

History shows us that when it comes to priorities, KP puts himself first. Strauss talked about trust issues and I honestly can't see how playing under Cook and Strauss after destroying them in his book last year He had absolutley no need to release that book at that time, it smacked to me of toys out of the pram.

Surely Strauss' job now is the long term future of England cricket? I really don't think bringing KP back for one last big time hurrah at the expense of vital experience for young players like Hales and Lyth is worth the hassle. Those two could learn so much from two home series against two of the best current Test playing sides, experience that will benefit England in the long term.

Other than being sacked by England and not being able to give his side of the story for months.

 

[slaphead]

Other than being sacked by England and not being able to give his side of the story for months.

But surely he is bright enough to know that by publishing that book he was burning his bridges?

If anyone can honestly answer yes to the following questions, then bring him back.

1. Do you think that if we weren't playing the Aussies he would still be wanting to come back.
2. Do you think he will commit to the winter tours and rule himself out of an IPL contract.
3. Do you trust him not to stab his teammates in the back again.
4. Is Kevin Pietersens inclusion in this England side at the expense of an in-form young batsman good for Englands future.
5. Do you think that the difference between winning the Ashes or not is whether KP is in the side or not.

Hand on heart, I think the answers to all those questions is no. If anyone caqn answer yes to all those questions, they need their bumps felt.

 

[Skinner]

1. Yes
2. Yes
3. No
4. No
5. Yes

 

[Who Needs Mourinho]

Plunkett has never been given a fair go , sometimes because of his own attitude , sometimes because of the whims of selectors but I believe it's time to move on . The selectors need to be looking at Overton , mills , Harris and Gregory . They also need to work out wtf their going to do with Finn and as "who needs mourhinio " rightly says when is stokes going to be allowed a fair crack at bowling . Just a bit to do then and that's without getting onto spinners

Are any of those ready?
Because chucking them in too early and ruining them is the last thing you want.
As for Finn he has more than enough chances.

 

[DarkSithLord]

I dont buy the is too old argument either, The aussies brought in Chris Rodgers at 35 last year, a year older than KP and he did absoltely fine

 

[Matt_]

Well done Andrew Strauss and the ECB.

Pietersen shouldn't have been allowed to 're-integrate' after what he did in the South African series a few years back, let alone be allowed back in now. The bloke has been a disruptive influence in every dressing room he's ever been in.

There is generally a case for giving somebody a second chance, or maybe even a third chance, but not a fifth, sixth or seventh chance. It's no surprise that those in positions of power don't trust the bloke.

Good riddance to him, England are better off without him. The younger middle order batters like Ballance and Root, supported by the experience of Bell, with the likes of Taylor and others in the wings will continue to take the side forward in the years ahead.

 

[Pyeman]

"Sorry Kev, we just don't trust you enough to play for the test team. We'd really like to hear your thoughts on ODI cricket though."

This has not been handled well at all. I think KP has every right to be annoyed - he gave up a lucrative contract on the understanding he'd at least be considered for selection. He does everything the ECB ask of him, and then they decide he won't be considered after all. I can totally understand him feeling angry because he's been led down the garden path, even if it was unintentional.

As for the issue of whether or not he should be in the team, I think it's tricky. Is he one of our best players? Yes. Based on ability alone, should he be in the team? Yes. I think the best coaches are able to handle these kinds of situations - we just haven't had the right people in charge for some time now.

On the other hand, if we really want to build a team for the future and look forwards, I think there's a case to be argued that we should give opportunities to some of the up and coming batsmen who have performed well, both for England and also for their counties. Bringing back a 35 year old might hinder the progress of some of our younger more promising talents which is something to take into account.

All things considered, I'm inclined to side with the 'bring back KP' crowd. I want young players to be given a chance, but with such a crucial summer coming up I think we need our best side to be playing. We can focus on integrating new players after the ashes.

 

[Aber gas]

"Sorry Kev, we just don't trust you enough to play for the test team. We'd really like to hear your thoughts on ODI cricket though."

This has not been handled well at all. I think KP has every right to be annoyed - he gave up a lucrative contract on the understanding he'd at least be considered for selection. He does everything the ECB ask of him, and then they decide he won't be considered after all. I can totally understand him feeling angry because he's been led down the garden path, even if it was unintentional.

As for the issue of whether or not he should be in the team, I think it's tricky. Is he one of our best players? Yes. Based on ability alone, should he be in the team? Yes. I think the best coaches are able to handle these kinds of situations - we just haven't had the right people in charge for some time now.

On the other hand, if we really want to build a team for the future and look forwards, I think there's a case to be argued that we should give opportunities to some of the up and coming batsmen who have performed well, both for England and also for their counties. Bringing back a 35 year old might hinder the progress of some of our younger more promising talents which is something to take into account.

All things considered, I'm inclined to side with the 'bring back KP' crowd. I want young players to be given a chance, but with such a crucial summer coming up I think we need our best side to be playing. We can focus on integrating new players after the ashes.

Ideally id like kp in the side but if it isn't to be which it isnt , we really need to move on and have a strong commitment to younger players and stick to it . There is no point in binning off kp and then going back to older players who have tried and failed in the past . Set the plan and see it through .

 

[CFC2010]

I dont buy the is too old argument either, The aussies brought in Chris Rodgers at 35 last year, a year older than KP and he did absoltely fine

And the ECB were so desperate to get Trott back in at 34!

 

[JonBCFC]

It says a lot when great players of the game are baffled why our management are refusing to play KP (Smith, warne, sanga, Vaughan etc)

Strauss obviously only came on the condition he wasn't pressured to let KP back, he's hugely gone down in my estimation now because of this. It's been mentioned already but how the fuck can you not trust someone to play in the team, but offer them an advisory role? Absolute fuck up.

 

[Skinner]

This whole thing could have been avoided if Strauss just came out and said that he KP isn't going to make the squad as there's good younger players that they want to bed in.

If that had happened then I think 70% of England fans would have accepted it, but the way he's gone about it is the problem.

 

[Matt_]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/cricket/32741813

Adam Lyth, England's number 666 cap, will open the batting with Alastair Cook in the first test against New Zealand. Mark Wood also makes the 12 man squad.

 

[Skinner]

That's a bit devlish

 

[JJH]

Big chance this for Lyth - he's earned it through hard graft and consistent run scoring on the County scene for Yorkshire, pleased he's been selected for this series.

 

[Aber gas]

Big chance this for Lyth - he's earned it through hard graft and consistent run scoring on the County scene for Yorkshire, pleased he's been selected for this series.

Would've ideally liked him to get a bit of experience in the windies but it wasn't to be . Tough ask , but if he does well against the kiwis and Australia he can do it against anyone . Good luck to the fella .