The enigma that is Kevin Pietersen

[Arthur Crabtree]

I'd bat him at four in India myself. It's plain vindictive to treat Pietersen as just another candidate.

Though I suspect Al might be joking...

[Arthur Crabtree]

Besides, one of the new batters who got their chance isn't in the touring party.

[shankycricket]

Yeah, its unfair that a player who scored a hundred in his last test and scored runs for fun for Surrey in the County Championship in the recently concluded county season and had a better average than most of these so called "aspiring talented county players", who can't play slow straight bowling to save their backsides, comes into the side ahead of them.

[Alviro Patterson]

I'd bat him at four in India myself. It's plain vindictive to treat Pietersen as just another candidate.

Though I suspect Al might be joking...

Only joking at the 1000 runs must be scored before June, but with the way KP is hyped up it should be a doddle.

Nothing vindictive in suggesting KP is just another candidate, he lost his England place and central contract from his own doing. A batting slot becomes up grabs and it's only fair other candidates get a fair chance.

I'd rather see England lose 4-0 to India in tests than KP instantly gets back his England place.

[Alviro Patterson]

Yeah, its unfair that a player who scored a hundred in his last test and scored runs for fun for Surrey in the County Championship in the recently concluded county season and had a better average than most of these so called "aspiring talented county players", who can't play slow straight bowling to save their backsides, comes into the side ahead of them.

Comparing a run chase in Twenty20 cricket to batting in tests is not a good benchmark.

Besides Joe Root is a great player of spin, Chris Nash another top quality wristy batsman to name a couple.

[SaintPowelly]

I'd rather see England lose 4-0 to India in tests than KP instantly gets back his England place.

[shankycricket]

And I thought people would acknowledge the difference between playing County cricket in English conditions and Test cricket in the subcontinent.

[Arthur Crabtree]

You want to punish KP further Al. That's not peace and reconciliation. Fortunately, I'm pretty sure that won't happen.

[Arthur Crabtree]

I'd rather see us play the best we can in India, whatever the score. Apparently an announcement will be made tomorrow. I doubt he'll be added to the squad anyway. It gives someone a chance to cement a place I suppose. But England will be stronger for his availability. Hope he does well. He's been a great stalwart of England international cricket.

[Alviro Patterson]

And I thought people would acknowledge the difference between playing County cricket in English conditions and Test cricket in the subcontinent.

Players have got to start somewhere, it's not as if they are elevated to the test arena out of nowhere. Joe Root had a very good tour of the sub-continent with England Lions, that's why he's on the plane to India.

Besides not all county cricket games are played under leadened skies and green tops, some grounds do have sub-continent style wickets and sometimes the weather to go with it.

[Making_Splinters]

I think KP should slaughter his first born to show his loyalty to English cricket personally. If he wants to play, it's only reasonable that he shows some such strong indication.

Shanky, shouldn't you be now firmly supporting any and all messures to keep KP out of the team?

Or, is this some huge reverse psychology road trip you're cleverly disguising?

[shankycricket]

I think KP should slaughter his first born to show his loyalty to English cricket personally. If he wants to play, it's only reasonable that he shows some such strong indication.

Shanky, shouldn't you be now firmly supporting any and all messures to keep KP out of the team?

Or, is this some huge reverse psychology road trip you're cleverly disguising?

Not really. I'd like to see India the beat the best possible England team.

[Alviro Patterson]

You want to punish KP further Al. That's not peace and reconciliation. Fortunately, I'm pretty sure that won't happen.

Nope, would like to see talented county cricketers get their chance on the international stage and for one of them to replace Strauss.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Agree with that at least!

[m@tt]

And I thought people would acknowledge the difference between playing County cricket in English conditions and Test cricket in the subcontinent.

Players have got to start somewhere, it's not as if they are elevated to the test arena out of nowhere. Joe Root had a very good tour of the sub-continent with England Lions, that's why he's on the plane to India.

A bit generous. Root only played half the games, he did score a century but only 26 in three other innings. Buttler was the big success of that tour.

Even if he doesn't play though, the experience of practising in the conditions will help him but I would rather he tour with the Lions and get proper game time.