South Africa in England July-Sept 2012

[barmyarmy]

Depends (as usual) on KP from here. If he doesn't throw his toys out the pram and re-retire he could well get selected for the India tour. This sounds to me more like a one match suspension than end of career.

 

[Themer]

I think it's end of his career. I don't see Flower repicking him.

 

[swacker]

Making big assumptions here, but well done Swann for having that heart to heart with him.

 

[cricket_icon]

So KP says he is willing to play all three formats of the game and now the ECB have dropped him from the 3rd Test, based on the assumption that he might have sent some disparaging tests regarding Strauss and Flower to South African players. This has not yet been proved...is this a case of power gone to the heads of the ECB, Flower and Strauss?

 

[Themer]

What are you on about? Seriously.

KP has acted like a complete dick here how anyone can say otherwise is beyond me. The texts have been. Informed by the South Africans as well.

 

[War]

Ignoring the twist of turns of KP apologizing and the ECB not picking him, one of the underlying issues, as to why KP suggested he wants to play in the IPL fully next and the mad scheduling remains.

Whether it happens in England or another country, i expect to see a similar problem occur again unless the their is a window for the IPL (in a revamped format) so that players don't ever have to chose - due to clashes with bilateral series.

Ian Chappell speaks about it best here: Ian Chappell : Ian Chappell: Pietersen issue resolved but what about the schedule? | Cricinfo Magazine | ESPN Cricinfo

 

[MUFC1987]

Good to see ECB standing up to their players. KP has been the one in the wrong here and rightfully, he's being made to pay the price for the way he has acted.

 

[War]

Well, he's come out apologised, agreed to be available for all forms of cricket, and apparently sat down with whoever he had issues with (I think it was probably Strauss due to the fact it was apparently Strauss he was slating via text to the Saffers). However, Agnew's article suggest KP still hasn't actually apologised for the texts so clearly whatever issues exist haven't been resolved.

Will his 149 be his last innings for England? Our batting lineup looks considerably weaker for this last test without him. Especially with Strauss a walking wicket, Cook struggling, Trott without a run of scores for some time, Bell susceptible against world class bowling, and the two middle order players with under 5 tests. I wonder if they'll actually go in with 5 bowlers finally?

Without KP in the top 6, although i'm a fan of 5 bowlers being picked, i won't risk it.

 

[cricket_icon]

What are you on about? Seriously.

KP has acted like a complete dick here how anyone can say otherwise is beyond me. The texts have been. Informed by the South Africans as well.

I've been on KPs back as well, his need to be a cricketing mercenary has pissed me off too but nowhere is there proof that KP sent those texts. The ECB have not presented any evidence, simply stating that the uncertainty will cause problems in the camp.

 

[fk915]

Interesting point, if of course the factual inaccuracy of your post is ignored. In which case it's also insightful

Bell was dropped, earnt his place back and has scored good runs since. Broad's numbers have done nothing but drop since his initial misguided attempts to be the enforcer.... and well Swann has been our most successful spinner since Laker, and was dropped for the last test (incorrectly).

To me it seems politics in English Cricket. Some players have strong base (for what so ever reason). To kick them out of the team they have to perform really bad for some time ... Swann and Monty both were not great players at the beginning of their careers but Monty didnt get many benefits of doubts as Swann did. Swann is an overrated player. It all looks good as long as they can beat West Indies, New Zealand but what will happen when Australia is done through rebuilding ... I would like to see Swann performance in India ..... KP on the other hand no need any introduction. I feel like ECB wants to set an example in his case and they will try to break him mentally ...

 

[MUFC1987]

I've been on KPs back as well, his need to be a cricketing mercenary has pissed me off too but nowhere is there proof that KP sent those texts. The ECB have not presented any evidence, simply stating that the uncertainty will cause problems in the camp.

Hang on a second, KP is the one who has refused to say that he didn't send them. If he didn't send them, then surely he'd say so?

 

[fk915]

What are you on about? Seriously.

KP has acted like a complete dick here how anyone can say otherwise is beyond me. The texts have been. Informed by the South Africans as well.

The question is why did he send those texts (If he did send). Where was ECB when a joker made twitter account and bunch of English players were following it? why ECB did not disciplined them in the first place? I say its KP's right as an individual to send text to whoever he wants to ... why scrutiny on him? why not on any other English player?

 

[MUFC1987]

KP followed that twitter account as well. He even re-tweeted posts for crying out loud.

 

[vorgaphe]

As an English supporter I have to say that they deserve to lose their status as number 1 test team, not only after being outclassed in the first test but for too bullish to accept KP's half apology. The ECB has no right to drop KP over issues in personal messages of which they have no solid proof. How many other employers would sack you for personal text messages? To drop someone after crucifying the world's best attack for such petty reasons and with so much at stake is ridiculous. If England lose this test after dropping arguably the best batsman in the world right now this could be the beginning of the end for the Flower administration.

 

[barmyarmy]

He's not denied sending them; he's just refused to reveal the contents. Ultimately the ECB are to blame here for taking a one-size-fits all approach. Doubt either Gower or Botham would survive in the current setup.