In the run-up to last year's World Cup we suggested that the decision to go with Kevin Pietersen to open the batting seemed like a good idea.
As it turned out, Pietersen's early departure from the tournament for injury (a move that saw him named as 12th man in our Unsung Heroes XI) meant that the experiment could be termed neither successful nor a failure. In four matches at the top of the order, Pietersen hit 131 runs at 32.75, but at a strike rate of nearly a run a ball.
Now it has been announced that Pietersen will get another opportunity as Alastair Cook's opening partner in the four match series against Pakistan that starts later this morning. Once again we believe this is a shrewd move by Flower not necessarily for the reasons we gave last year, but because KP is surely drinking in the last chance saloon in terms of his ODI career.
His record in the 50 over format since losing the captaincy at the end of 2008 has been abysmal. In 36 matches since being consigned back to the ranks, Pietersen has scored just three fifties with a top score of 78 and has an average of 25 - that is an average about two runs higher than Luke Wright. No more needs to be said than that.
At times Pietersen has looked disinterested in the 50 over game and whilst he assures everyone that isn't the case and that he intends to stick around until the 2015 World Cup, it seems by giving him this extra responsibility Flower is looking for him to prove his desire.
Just as in his initial foray into ODI's in South Africa in 2005, Pietersen needs to make a big splash here. His future in the team could well depend upon it.
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Two points today. First, the idea of KP opening against a side that is filled with quality spinners is entirely counter-productive. It is clear to anyone who has been watching him on this tour of the UAE that he really hasn't a clue against a ball turning away from him on these pitches and his confidence is (once again) at a very low ebb. Moreover, his early dismissal sets a tone for the innings. He is regarded as England's only premier batsman in limited overs cricket, so his early scalp is a tremendous boost for the Pakistanis and his speedy departure leaves Alistair Cook and others with a repair job on their hands. Secondly, please check the precise definitions of uninterested and your incorrectly used 'disinterested.' These distinctions are very important, especially with these two words. Interchangeable they ain't!
Posted by: Ian | Tuesday, February 14, 2012 at 19:45
Ian, Thanks for the much needed English lesson - seven years in the South of France has sent my proficiency downhill nearly as fast as KP's ODI stats. Your opinion on KP may also be right, although both innings thus far have produced a 50 run opening stand. One school of thought is that he should come in at five and try and replicate his initial successful forays into one day internationals. Whatever the answer, he can't have too many opportunities left to get it right. Since the beginning of 2009 he averages around 25 in ODI and his last ton in the format came two weeks BEFORE Graeme Swann's Test debut. A sobering thought.
Posted by: The Reverse Sweep | Wednesday, February 15, 2012 at 16:31
Agreed. KP seems to be getting starts of sorts, but he most certainly isn't stamping his authority on these games - quite the reverse. Flower & Cook are obviously going to see this ODI series through with KP holding his place. How convenient it is that Buttler still is nursing his split webbing! From a tour management point of view, can anyone savour the sight of KP in a brightly coloured jacket delivering drinks and towels to, say, Samit Patel? (KP has had many kind things to say about Samit!) When it comes to SL, however, I'm wondering whether KP will be told to 'take a break'. The management of the team on tour in SL will just have got that bit more straight-forward. Finally, it amazes me that the rest of the world still is in awe of him; it's as if they have been on an exended holiday since the beginning of 2009. BW. (PS Even retired English teachers still get twitchy!)
Posted by: Ian | Thursday, February 16, 2012 at 09:39