Rest assured, Pietersen won’t change his style
Much of the concern surrounding Kevin Pietersen’s installation as England captain seems to focus on whether the added responsibility will alter his attacking playing style.
But while it’s a valid point, I don’t think there’s any need for concern as KP has the confidence and belief in his own ability to carry both off to equal effect.
Flamboyance
Take Friday as a classic example. Pietersen is on 94 and has the game in his own hands after a brilliant century stand with Paul Collingwood.
But looking to reach three figures in style, KP goes for the big six and succeeds only in finding mid-off. Would Pietersen have done the same thing as captain? I would say yes. That’s his style, that’s what sets him apart from everyone else. What will change, however, is the perception of him. Much of the press the following day spoke of his brilliant 94 pulling England back into the game, but as captain, such flamboyance might not be seen in the same light.
Pietersen reportedly had clear-the-air with Peter Moores on Sunday night, and although the team ethic would have altered a little since the side was changed around, I don’t think there was much of a problem in the dressing room.
Moores knows that Pietersen is inexperienced but obviously has plenty of faith in him. He will also know that Pietersen will have learned an awful lot from the captaincy of Michael Vaughan and will expect a lot of Vaughan’s traits to remain evident.
What Moores can guarantee, however, is that Pietersen will give it everything he’s got.
Nurture
I was pleased to see the name Ravi Bopara on the 13-man squad for the fourth Test at The Oval on Thursday and I just hope he gets the chance to show what he can do. With the series now gone, this is the perfect opportunity to nurture our younger cricketers into the Test fold.
The selectors may opt to go with five bowlers and bring back Stuart Broad, but Bopara, with his form with the bat and dangerous medium pace, is certainly worth a shot – in fact I’d like them to play both.