It does not matter how good a batsman is, at some point in his career he will go through a lull where run scoring is concerned. Kevin Pietersen is no different and has not scored anywhere near the number of runs he or his team would expect. However, this is a sportsman who is amongst the best in the world and admired by all the other test playing nations. He is the prize wicket opposition bowlers set their sights on.
It is important to have consistency where selection matters are concerned. Players like Alastair Cook, Paul Collingwood, Ian Bell, Jonathon Trott and Matt Prior have all successfully negotiated run droughts. However, they did it by keeping their place in the team which is largely thanks to the loyalty shown by Geoff Miller and Co. Unfortunately Pietersen was not afforded the same treatment.
For some reason, England seems to enjoy treating Pietersen like a dog. It could be argued the player has never fully recovered from the decision to sack him as captain. Only England could manage to publicly humiliate their best player like England have done with Pietersen. The selectors could do with attending a man management course. Some players might respond to a kick up the backside but some need a different approach.
It is only a few months since Pietersen starred in the world twenty20 finals and was named as the player of the tournament. Clearly, he is a player who rises to the big occasion. However, that can also be a double edged sword. Being shunted out to play a few games for Surrey is hardly the ideal preparation for an Ashes campaign in Australia this winter.
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3 comments:
But there's also been this feeling for a couple of years that you have to treat KP better (or different) to the other players in the team and that he's somehow immune.
After all, even Strauss got dropped for a while when he lost his form.
The problem with KP at the moment is that he bats like he's scored 100 even when he's just got to the wicket.
I don't think anyone can change Pietersen the personality. Great players usually have an arrogant streak. Shane Warne did not nickname him FIGJAM for nothing.
Strauss was unlucky to be dropped when you recall the long periods where they stood by Bell, Collingwood and others.
England might get away with it against lesser opposition. However, when we lock horns with the worlds best 3 teams once more, i think we will need KP in the side.
I completely agree with the first 2 paragraphs but I don't think KP is being treated like a dog. And I think he has recovered from the sacking. He just failed to score runs lately. Though I still think that he shouldn't have been dropped. I wrote 'bout it here, take a look:
http://www.jimmymycrushie.me/2010/09/astonishment-at-its-bestdaring-ecb.html
http://www.jimmymycrushie.me/2010/09/im-with-kp-are-you.html
Good post btw!
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