Cricket: Pietersen to decide future after Lord’s Test

South Africa lead series 1-0 after 2nd match drawn at Heandingley.


Agencies August 07, 2012

LEEDS: Kevin Pietersen put his England Test future in doubt on Monday, saying that he would announce his decision following the third and final Test against South Africa later this month at Lord’s.

The 32-year-old, named man of the match for his exhilarating 149 that helped England draw the second Test on Monday, said he was in talks with the England and Wales Cricket Board but refused to share details of the discussions.

It’s tough being me, says Pietersen

“I will talk after the next Test,” said Pietersen. “It’s tough being me, playing for England. It’s absolutely 100% not about money.

“There are clear things that I’m discussing. But there are other issues that need to be sorted. You’ll find out soon enough. You’re not going to find out tonight.”

He admitted that part of his discussions centre on his participation in the IPL where he has a lucrative contract with the Delhi Daredevils.

“I love playing Test cricket for England. For me, the saddest part about all this is that the spectators just love watching me play - and I love playing for England.”

Strauss stays mum

Captain Andrew Strauss, whose side are 1-0 down in the three-match series, refused to answer questions on Pietersen’s future.

“I hope the Kevin issue isn’t going to be a distraction,” said Strauss.

“The truth is we want as few distractions as possible in making sure we win this third match. You want to take whatever is happening off the field in your private life or anywhere and put it to one side to concentrate on playing a Test match for England.

“I think we’ve got a great chance of winning that Test match.”

KP takes three wickets

Earlier, Pietersen enjoyed rare success as a bowler and Stuart Broad took five wickets, as England gave South Africa some anxious moments before the draw.

Broad took five wickets in 37 balls before South Africa declared at 258 for nine, leaving England an improbable 253 to win in 39 overs.

They made 130 for four before the players agreed to a draw with six overs remaining.

England opened the batting with Pietersen, who hit 149 in the first-innings, and the star of the match hit three fours in the first over from Morne Morkel.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 8th, 2012.

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