The enigma that is Kevin Pietersen

[Durhamfootman]

So Pietersen capitulates, 100% surrender.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/cricket/19229566

This is a remarkablee turn-around from the man we heard lastmonday.

He said he was returning "unconditionally" to one-day and Twenty20 internationals, and contrary to recent reports was not insisting on playing the full Indian Premier League (IPL) season next year, which would mean missing Test matches.

"I'm not going anywhere," he said. "I want to make myself available for selection for every single form of cricket for England, because I love playing for England.

"Money's not everything to me. Sportsmen have short careers - I can't do this until I'm 50 or 55 - and I'm a provider for a young family.

"But I love winning for England. I can't wait to play in Straussy's [skipper Andrew Strauss's] 100th Test next week. "


"

Gamble didn't work, then?

[SaintPowelly]

So basically, he thought he was bigger than the team and could pull all the strings, then as soon as he realised he couldnt and the media and fans turned on him, he backs down ?

I hope Flower and Strauss tell him to F*ck Off.

[Durhamfootman]

So basically, he thought he was bigger than the team and could pull all the strings, then as soon as he realised he couldnt and the media and fans turned on him, he backs down ?

I hope Flower and Strauss tell him to F*ck Off.

Indeed!

what a ponce!

[meninblue]

Personally i am glad with KP's decision to give more preference to international tournaments than the domestic tournaments. He has played many domestic tournaments in his younger days, so it was surprising he wanted to play in a lesser format and quit the higher formats at this age.

I get a feeling that KP used his retirement as a gamble. It has flopped big time and so he has rolled back his retirements in ODI and T20. Unnecessary confusion has already been created in the middle of one of the most interesting series and the team atmosphere has taken a beating and rifts are likely to be deepened. Good that ECB did not bow to pressure tactics and a wrong precedent was not set for English players who would be playing in further domestic tournaments of other countries. Hopefully, ECB will take a firm stance next time if this tactics are repeated from the same player or any other player.

[hopeforthebest]

I think Pietersen looked around and realised he was in a place he never intended to be. In particular he would have looked at his last interview which was being reported as an intention to leave international cricket. Whether this 'mia culpa' was his own idea or someone finally gave him some sensible advice we may never know.
What this episode will have on the team is and may well remain unknown until the books are written.

[hopeforthebest]

Pietersen releases video of his decision:

http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/ ... 77001.html

[Kim]

The Lords squad announcement has been delayed till after lunch.I wont speculate why.

[Kim]

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/cricke ... -team.html

Hmmmm

[hopeforthebest]

This about face by KP has saved the selectors a lot of grief. If they were contemplating leaving him out of the team for the Lords test they can now resume normal service and when the ODI series begins they have a number four to replace the unavailable Bopara.

[D/L]

Let's see if Pietersen gets selected for Lords. The announcement has been put back from 9:30 am to 2:30 pm. I'm guessing his carefully timed volte-face won't cut much ice with the ECB, Flower and Strauss.

[hopeforthebest]

Let's see if Pietersen gets selected for Lords. The announcement has been put back from 9:30 am to 2:30 pm. I'm guessing his carefully timed volte-face won't cut much ice with the ECB, Flower and Strauss.

On his video he says that he had a long talk with a team mate and is confident that his 'dressing room' problems are behind him, which can only be true if both Flower and Srauss are of a similar mind.
I believe the delay in announcing the team suggests they planned to leave him out and are now planning a change of heart. In some respects this last minute public statement from KP has made leaving him out impossible. They would look vindictive.

[Kim]

So he released this video without the ECB having a clue it was coming apparently.

Well he can shut up moaning about politics IMO.

[D/L]

On his video he says that he had a long talk with a team mate and is confident that his 'dressing room' problems are behind him, which can only be true if both Flower and Srauss are of a similar mind...

Who knows any more what is the truth and what is not when Pietersen speaks?

[Robert]

If Flower & the ECB are smart, they'll use (ie. exploit) him for the immediate future (ie. until business in India is concluded), then dump him. They really shouldn't hold onto the diva after that - let him join the 20 over travelling circus then.

[KipperJohn]

I wonder who'll be opening with Cook in the ODI's against SA?

KP was easily Flower's first chice and only his announcement enforced a change.............

Watch this space... if you can be bothered