Cricket: Pietersen’s absence ‘could help England’

All-rounder Bresnan says a new star could be born.

Tim Bresnan believes England ‘may be an even better side’ without Kevin Pietersen for the third Test against South Africa that starts tomorrow, according to the BBC.

Pietersen was dropped over reports that he sent text messages to opposing players, criticising captain Andrew Strauss. His exclusion came after he committed himself to England in all forms of cricket in a video interview.

While the exclusion of Pietersen will make South Africa feel more confident, Bresnan said the right-hander was being replaced by an able player Jonny Bairstow.

“A talented player is being replaced by another talented player,” said Bresnan.

“If he gets stuck in and gets runs this week then I’m sure he will show what he can do on the world stage and how talented he is. A new star could be born.”

Meanwhile, former captain Michael Vaughan believes it will take a ‘long time’ for Pietersen to be welcomed back into the dressing room

“If it’s true that he sent those texts, it will take a long time for him to be allowed back,” said Vaughan.

“It’s been a mad but also a very sad week for the England cricket team. There are no real winners but one very big loser and that’s Pietersen.

“I don’t know who is advising him but in my eyes they are not doing the right job for Kevin.

“There’s no way he could have arrived in that dressing room at Lord’s on Tuesday morning. It will take time, but he will get another chance. I hope he does.”

Published in The Express Tribune, August 15^th, 2012.