Kevin Pietersen

Firstly, I’d like to state that I’m not writing this blog in order to confrontate or create arguments. I’m not accusing The Full Toss of lying or being factually incorrect and we have had discussions on Twitter about Kevin Pietersen without the need for direct abuse. Instead, like many cricket microbloggers, sport brings us together and the ability to discuss about it is one of its finest features. I’m not by any means at cricket writer (nor have any real intentions of being), just a fan of England cricket wanting to get his views across.

However, I’d nevertheless like to write an alternative view in order to get my opinion across in a more eloquent manner than the 140 characters on Twitter permits.

Firstly, the first series of cricket I ever watched was the 2004-05 series from England against South Africa. As I’m sure most of you are aware, in that series Kevin Pietersen hit three centuries at averaged 151 as he made his mark on the international scene.

Then came along the Ashes, I remember sitting at home watching in awe as Kevin Pietersen hit a phenomenal 158 in order to allow England to regain the Ashes. Ever since that day I was fixed and have watched more cricket than most of my friends would think was sane.

And I loved to watch it too. KP was my hero. I bought his autobiography and as a young 11 year old, I would practice the switch hit whenever possible in order to replicate my idol. He was supposedly invincible.

In 2007, I was at the England vs India game when after requesting an autograph from KP he simply ignored me and then after walking past the second time made a conscientious effort to ignore all of the kids queuing for a picture with an “England legend. “He’s always been arrogant” said another parent beside me and it was the first criticism of KP I had really ever heard. But it stuck.

Arrogance is a difficult concept. Some say it’s good to be confident, others say it’s possible to go too far. KP has always had the air of arrogance about him and his flashy character has had its critics. For some, it is a case of being able to manage his character and in that respect the ECB have failed miserably.

Nevertheless, if Jason Gallian, Mick Newell, Andrew Strauss, Giles Clarke, Peter Moores, Alistair Cook, Paul Downton, Ali Bacher Graeme Smith, Laurie Potter, Mike Bechet and Phil Russell have all managed to have some sort of dispute with KP (based on his autobiography Crossing The Boundary), my guess is that it cannot solely be that it is poor from the ECB. This is not just an anomaly.

One has to question whether KP has ever wondered whether he might be the issue and if a change in attitude is required?

I forgave KP for the captaincy debacle when it happened back in 2009, but my first frustration towards him started in the text gate scandal. Whether or not he did call Strauss a doos is irrelevant, the fact that it undermined the team is undeniable. Throughout the successful period between 2009-2012, many people praised the ECB for the way it created a successful winning environment. Team morale was one of the most important things and Matt Prior has mentioned in his own personal autobiography about the effect of a positive mental approach. However, here in KP was somebody who was willing to go against this basis. Who was willing to send a provocative message about his own captain.

Although dressing rooms may have egos, when they go onto the field, all of these egos are willing and dedicated towards the team. Happy dressing rooms ARE normally winning dressing rooms. The Australian team of the 90’s had plenty of large characters a la Warne etc. Nevertheless, you never hear any stories about how no one liked each other or anyone attempting to undermine the team.

Having played cricket myself, it is undeniable that others can affect your performance. I seen it in my own Sunday team where people don’t play as well because they are moaning about the opposition or annoying teammates. If KP had created that situation in the England dressing room (which APPEARS to be the reason why he was sacked), then that cannot be a good thing.

Whilst writing this blog, I’d just like to address one other argument that #TeamKP supporters make. That is the “way I play” argument. It was a topic that annoyed me, especially during the latter half of Pietersen’s England career.

Perth 2013 was a real low point for me, with Pietersen being caught on the boundary off Nathan Lyon as England are trying to survive and salvage a draw. The argument at the time was that we should not criticise Pietersen as this is the method that has brought him success.

I’m sorry, but has there ever been a more ludicrous claim? Pietersen could have easily knocked the ball down the ground for any easy single. It keeps the scoreboard ticking over and means that England can still bat out for a draw.

A player of Pietersen’s calibre should be able to adapt. Brian Lara was able to hit sixes better than many but he knew he had to play the game situation at all times.

KP has finished his England career with 8181 runs at an average of 47.26. These are undeniably highly impressive stats. However, I can’t help but wonder that if he had adapted to the game situation more often, would he have ended up with an average above 50 that someone with KP’s talent would merit. It would place him up with the greats.

The great cricket philosopher Phil Tufnell once said that “he’s not a great player, he’s a player of great innings”. I don’t think there’s been a truer word said about the KP situation.

Thank you very much for reading this post and before you comment, criticise or abuse, please read that first paragraph once more.

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