The Beginning of the Pietersen Era

Pietersen's First ODI in charge of England

I wrote a previous article questioning the decesion to make KP England’s new captain for both Test Matches and ODI’s. All I can say now is: so far, so good! He’s really bought energy and life to the team and seems to have re-lit the spark that blew out after losing the Ashes 5-0 down under.

Their previous victory was most convincing as they won by 10 wickets against an average looking South African side. I may be jumping the gun a little by saying he’s an excellent captain as some questions still need to be answered by KP (e.g. tactics), but he has seemed to keep his game where it was.

We see a lot of captains fail in their area of expertise after being appointed and the biggest fear by putting Pietersen as capitano was a possible dip in batting form. But now we see better bowling figures from him as well as maintaining good form whilst batting.

It may just be that Pietersen knows how to play against South Africa, or that they were just playing well below par when England were at their best. But as an England fan I hope it’s just that KP knows how to lift his team and with his figure can intimidate other nations. Let’s hope he can carry this form no matter what team he plays and regains the Ashes.

Come on England!!!!

Pietersen Right for Captain?

There’s no doubt that Kevin Pietersen is one of the best batsmen in the world. He took Flintoff’s place as the “Beckham of the cricket world” but does he have all the makings of a good captain. Michael Vaughan was an amazing tactician and one of the best I’ve ever seen. As well as filling his shoes, KP must bring something new to the England setup. So does he have the makings of a good captain?

All the players will respect KP from the off-set as he has the presence and command that a captain needs. This is vital as if the players don’t follow him then he will never be successful. In addition to this, he has the other key factor of ‘inspirational’. When England look down, Pietersen can change a game and lift the teams spirits. We also know that he won’t be afraid to take risks and try new things. Although this could work against him and the team, it could pay dividends.

So Pietersen has respect, authority, inspiration and risk taking. Is this enough? Well tactics are a major part in all three forms of cricket but in test matches it is pivotal. As KP hasn’t got much captaincy experience, we don’t know if he has this. If he does, then England have a perfect captain. If he doesn’t, England will either get away with it or shoot themselves in the foot.

As The Doc mentioned in a previous post, KP may be a ‘David Beckham’ style captain in that he’ll be all about presence and leading by example. One thing is for sure. Kevin Pietersen is not Michael Vaughan. He will bring fresh ideas with his decent cricketing brain as well as enthusiasm and energy. Maybe he can spark some life into the England squad.

Thursday will be an interesting encounter between England and South Africa in the fourth test of the series. KP will want to get off to a winning start and South Africa will probably stop at nothing to prevent that. England have nothing to lose in this match so you may see some new ideas thrown in already.