The enigma that is Kevin Pietersen

[Aidan11]

If those texts became public and turned out not to be as harsh as the Daily Fail were suggesting, what then?

[Kim]

Swann essentially called Patel an unfit, lying mediocre spinner in a book published for the world to see. Although theres some truth in this I cant believe this is acceptable while a PRIVATE text - whatever he said - isnt.

[greyblazer]

You give a reason like you drop a player for texting messages that are assumed to be derogatory.Just can't describe this in words.

[Aidan11]

This has just sent the cost to publish his future autobiography soaring when the time comes for him to do it.

[#Brown]

If those texts became public and turned out not to be as harsh as the Daily Fail were suggesting, what then?

I think that's why they gave him the extra time to respond.

Consider the other way round, they keep him in the squad and the exact details of the texts appear over the next few days and they are that bad. Or worse.

Either way, SA have got to be loving this.

[yorker_129-7]

If the texts weren't derogatory, why didn't he just say so?

[hopeforthebest]

Pietersen got himself into this situation and was given an opportunity to get himself out of it. Clearly the fact that he hasn't taken that opportunity indicates that those texts are damaging to his case.

[andy]

the whole KP thing is driving me crazy and it is without a doubt affecting the side on and off the pitch!

[hopeforthebest]

Interestingly this the first time that the ECB has come out in public and that has brought this affair to a new place.

[m@tt]

The text messaging happened over a week ago - KP hasn't been dropped just because he sent those messages. The ECB were perfectly willing to accept an apology and pick him, provided that Pietersen did a couple of simple things. He didn't. Even if he had said "in the heat of the moment, I sent some uncomplimentary texts and I apologise for them", he would likely be in the squad.

[Aidan11]

I wonder if the ECB confirmed him being dropped by text message.

[D/L]

Hard to avoid the conclusion that, in the long run, this is the best thing for English cricket. Principles are far more important than the result of a match or a series.

Just another in a long list of psychologically flawed sporting talents. So long, and thanks for all the runs, but no thanks for all the histrionics over the years.

I don’t think the ECB will get any serious criticism in the media for the stance they have taken, whatever the result at Lords. On the contrary, it is plaudits they deserve.

[Aidan11]

[meninblue]

Hard to avoid the conclusion that, in the long run, this is the best thing for English cricket. Principles are far more important than the result of a match or a series.

Just another in a long list of psychologically flawed sporting talents. So long, and thanks for all the runs, but no thanks for all the histrionics over the years.

I don’t think the ECB will get any serious criticism in the media for the stance they have taken, whatever the result at Lords. On the contrary, it is plaudits they deserve.

[ddb]

But then the principle is that it depends on who the player is.