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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