Ashes 2013

It seems like Kevin Pietersen is being ‘misunderstood’ a lot again – now there’s a surprise.

Vaughny seems to understand him. He probably knows a bit more about him, and England, too.

KP top scored for our side in the tournament. That such a low aggregate was the highest out of the team says a lot, and none of it negative about KP.

It’s not KP’s fault that nobody could catch
It’s not KP’s fault that Prior hasn’t know which end of a bat to hold for over a year
It’s not KP’s fault that they picked three reserve bowlers they didn’t want to play
It’s not KP’s fault that said bowlers turned out to be gash so Anderson, Broad and Stokes had to bowl themselves inside out
It’s not KP’s fault that Anderson continually bowled too short
It’s not KP’s fault that nobody scored any runs
It’s not KP’s fault that Cook’s field setting was reactionary at best, and hapless at worst
It’s not KP’s fault that everyone was scared of Johnson
It’s not KP’s fault that nobody could bowl Haddin out

In short, there were lots of things wrong with the performance of a lot of highly paid professionals wearing an England shirt in that series. If some of them don’t like KP, well tough – they’re paid to play as a team, no matter who is in that team. KP’s own batting was far from blameless, but that and personal differences amongst team members are far from the sole reason for the pathetic display of the last six weeks.

So, apart from certain posters not liking KP, is there any objective reason why he should never wear an England shirt again? Given that his team-mates are highly paid professionals, alleged dislike for him from some members of the squad isn’t a valid reason. They’re paid to rise above that.

Despite calling for a period of reflection flower seems to be saying its choose between him and KP. Telling the bosses the terms of your re-employment when you have been smashed 5-0 is a dangerous game. Difficult to sack KP unless he has done something wrong contractually too. KP is not the first and won’t the last awkward player in the dressing room – Brian Lara?

Prior says its the little things england got wrong as a team behind the scenes to start with ie turning up late. There was a good piece on espn discussing this before Prior’s comments. He also indicates to me england were being over coached and not playing with freedom. Meanwhile flower thinks he should have been even more structured!

I don’t have a problemin theory if the batsmen have to earn their place with runs in county cricket next season but won’t be happy if this is purely a way to force KP out.

Whanau, it’s that simple…..or as the Sydney Swans term the same idea, “no dickheads in the team.”

His class is as obvious as his ability to destabilise the team. Choosing between the two is simple. Even Brierley would have struggles with KP in his current mode.

If he’s such a destabilising influence, how is it that he’s been in an Ashes winning team four times? A team that also topped the world rankings, no less?

Or is it just when they’re not doing so well they want an easy scapegoat? And the baying mob, just as here, seem to be happy to give KP up as one. It’s truly pathetic. Look what Lehman has done to a team of talent-challenegd no-hopers. That’s what we need. Not more people going “yes, Mr Flower, how high Mr Flower”.

Cook’s captaincy (or lack thereof in the field) has far more to answer for than KP’s ego.

or as the Sydney Swans term the same idea, “no dickheads in the team.”

They’d struggle – I’ve yet to see an AFL player who isn’t one.

No KP in the ODI squad currently being spanked around the MCG

The girls have it 😀

Wrapped up their 5-dayer before lunch too. Well done the England ladies!

Not strictly ashes, but them bloody Aussies are mullering the Saffers too.

Mitchell Johnson, apparently, is quite useful, and it’s not just us……

Aye – I’m a bit surprised at this result. Well – not a result yet – maybe the last 2 Saffers can get another 285?

Maybe England are not so bad – get KP back!

Nope, all done, stupid run out to finish it.

That is a BIG win for the Aussies.

A dozen wickets for Johnson and 3 centuries from the batters – a team in form and playing with confidence.

What the bloody hell is Lehman putting in the opposition’s water???

I’m waiting for this to be all KP’s fault too…

One assumes our loss to the Windies is KP’s fault too?

1-1 SA vs Aus now. Wonder how the decider will go…

Wonder how the decider will go…

Steyn has been missing for the third, but jeez, the Aussies look a bit better than folk here were making out. Are they going to cap the 5-0 with an away series win at the world’s best? Certainly a team playing with confidence.

494-7 after day two. 😯