Dubai, Feb.16 (ANI): England's best bat Kevin Pietersen is reportedly in the running to be the team's vice-captain for Tests against Bangladesh.
According to The Telegraph, coach Andy Flower has left the door open for KP to be named as Alastair Cook's deputy ahead of the first game that begins on February 23.
The paper claims that the move to promote Pietersen could be a canny decision by the England management to lift his drooping spirits and restore his confidence, which has taken a hit on the recent trip to South Africa.
During his brief reign as captain just over a year ago, Pietersen showed glimpses of succeeding where many have failed, namely combining leadership with being the side's chief run-scorer.
He scored two centuries in his three Tests until leaving the job following his very public falling out with the then England coach, Peter Moores.
At the time it was reported that part of Pietersen's gripe was with the role of Flower, the batting coach under Moores, but the pair have since repaired their relationship.
The spectre of Andrew Flintoff, a competing star and ego in the dressing room, has also been removed and Pietersen fits neatly into the professional, hard-working ethos that Flower has instilled.
Cook confirmed before he left England at the weekend that he would like the backup of a deputy in his first leadership role and Pietersen's only other serious rival for the position is Paul Collingwood.
"Cooky and I have discussed it [vice-captaincy] and we will announce one at the start of the Bangladesh tour," said Flower. (ANI)
|
|
Read More: South Goa
Comments:
