Everyone knew that sword was hanging on the neck of somebody after the dismal display of cricket by England in Australia but ECB (England and Wales Cricket Board) shocked everybody when they sacked their star player Kevin Pietersen from the forthcoming tour of the Caribbean.
Also news are going round that the new ECB managing director Paul Downton might settle Pietersen contract and he may not play for England again.
Amusingly, Pietersen was the top scorer for England with 294 runs when compared to other England batsmen in the recently concluded Ashes series.
But it was not for the lack of form Kevin was sacked.
"Clearly this was a tough decision because Kevin has been such an outstanding player for England as the fact that he is the country's leading run scorer in international cricket demonstrates".
"However, everyone was aware that there was a need to begin the long-term planning after the Australia tour. Therefore, we have decided the time is right to look to the future and start to rebuild not only the team but also team ethic and philosophy.
"England cricket owes a debt of gratitude to Kevin who has proved to be one of the most talented and exciting players to ever represent the country and his 13,797 runs are a testimony to his immense skill.
"This decision brings some clarity now for the future of the England teams and we all wish Kevin the very best in the rest of his career."
The statement has an indication about the history of Kevin as the 'trouble child'. Recently he had been involved in a controversy with Andy Flower and Alastair Cook.
This may be bid to bring back some discipline in the dressing room in the aftermath of the 0-5 Ashes loss.
But the unanimous decision by England management and selectors to leave out the 34-year-old Pietersen has left people divided. Some believes game and England team is above an individual and it was becoming difficult to handle him while others believe Kevin is one of the best players of England who has still a future, if not in England than in T20 leagues.
Kevin is the leading run scorer in Tests for England.
Pietersen played 104 Test Matches, 136 One Day internationals and 37 Twenty20 Internationals for England in a career which has spanned a little more than nine years -- from November 2004 to the final Ashes Test match in Sydney in early January.
Pietersen said he was also sad with the ECB's decision.
"Playing cricket for my country has been an honor. Every time I pulled on the England shirt was a moment of huge pride for me and that is something that will live with me forever.
"Although I am obviously very sad the incredible journey has come to an end, I'm also hugely proud of what we, as a team, have achieved over the past nine years. I feel extremely fortunate to have played at a time of great success for England cricket alongside some of the best cricketers the country has ever produced.
"I want to thank everyone for their fantastic support and I wish the team the very best of success going forward. I believe I have a great deal still to give as a cricketer. I will continue to play but deeply regret that it won't be for England," he said.
It is hard to say whose future is brighter, but it is for sure that Kevin will be hot property in IPL, Big Bash, CPL and other T20 leagues going on around the world. He is a senior player who has an attacking ability, much needed for shorter form of cricket.
Kevin might not play for England again but he has lot of cricket left in him.
England on other hand is hoping to carve a new team just before the world cup in 2015, a risky attempt, which might backfire.
|
|
Comments:
