The enigma that is Kevin Pietersen

[Arthur Crabtree]

I know we've been through this many times, but when the England selectors say there is no chance of KP ever playing for England again, then there are no doors, and there is no future. If you read what Graves has said, it's pretty clear that he hasn't made a decision, he just says he'll back those whose job it is to make these decisions. This was Downton's call. Nothing has changed, Graves has just twisted the knife a little more, and shown he is out of touch with the present circumstances. Or worse, didn't care.

I just don't understand the view that KP had a choice here. The selectors said he didn't have a choice, there wasn't a way back. They said it at every opportunity.

[Aidan11]

Realistically he'll be too old by the next WC so even if the door has been unlocked he should not be selected in planning for the future.

[Aidan11]

What Graves said about KP was a clever bit of PR aimed at repairing some of the ECBs damaged reputation.

[KipperJohn]

One could also take the view that this is a shot across the bows of the selectors as much as any sort of olive branch to KP.

Presumably he was asked a question and gave his view. Selectors, Managing Directors and coaches all have a shelf life as well - and the way England are at the moment that life may well be diminishing.

The likes of Dilshan, Sanga etc are not only three or four years older than KP - they have also played about 3 to 4times as many ODIs than even our longest serving players.

This will continue to run - England have far more pressing problems at the moment. I don't see why KP would go running for an interview with the ECB on the basis of what's just been said - just carry on playing in the IPL and wherever else he has contracted to play and wait for the fall out, if there is one, from the WC.

However, I have to say that if this were any other England player they'd be playing for their County for most of the season - that's where KP differs - he would appear to be self - employed.

[Arthur Crabtree]

The ECB have issued a statement that nothing has changed. Graves makes a promising start to the his time at the ECB. Everyone should have a turn at screwing up the KP situation.

[rich1uk]

just heard the tail end of his call on the verdict , couldn't agree more with what he said about England's reliance on stats and how they said based on previous scores at the ground they thought they had enough runs to win etc etc

i remember morgan at the toss in a t20 match being asked whether he was concerned about England's lack of 6 hitters and he replied that given 83% of games were won by the teams who hit the most 4s he wasn't that worried about 6 hitting. it really worried me that he would even know that stat let alone use it as a defence of team selection at the toss. that approach to game planning can be useful but imo it has just been taken far too far. Use of stats and analysis of previous games to identify flaws and areas to improve is essential, basing your entire game plan and strategy on them is insane.

[KipperJohn]

The ECB have issued a statement that nothing has changed. Graves makes a promising start to the his time at the ECB. Everyone should have a turn at screwing up the KP situation.

Not convinced there is a 'KP situation.' His contract was terminated and he was told by the current management that he wouldn't play for England again.

Graves comment is a valid one if there is a change in selectors and management, which is more than possible. The current management has no control over their future replacements.

We all have uncertainties about our futures - KP is no different.

As for KP's comments, which I didn't hear, about how England go about their business, that is surely the subject of a different thread.

[Durhamfootman]

I'd be quite happy for KP to sign for Durham where Colly can keep an eye on him

I can see his missus heading down to the Bigg Market every Saturday night.

[Aidan11]

The problem now for the ECB will be if KP plays for a county this season and racks up stacks of runs.

[hopeforthebest]

The problem now for the ECB will be if KP plays for a county this season and racks up stacks of runs.

I don't believe KP is capable of racking up stacks of runs anymore. I'm not sure his body would stand up to the rigors of the training county players have to endure.

[sussexpob]

The problem now for the ECB will be if KP plays for a county this season and racks up stacks of runs.

I don't believe KP is capable of racking up stacks of runs anymore. I'm not sure his body would stand up to the rigors of the training county players have to endure.

I think the ECB would much rather he was playing then not, to be frank. If KP were never to play 4 day cricket again then he would occupy an almost ghost like status over the national game where there is space for his talent, impact and capability to be over blown. Even now, as they didn't pick him and he didn't play much, his name will come up a lot in the post World Cup carving up that goes on.

Playing at least would only forward the same arguments and vitriol from his supporters assuming he was successful, or prove them right if he wasn't..... and to be fair, he put so much pressure onto himself I doubt many people would flourish under it.

[Making_Splinters]

I'd imagine that the ECB would rather KP plays in the LVCC and fails.

[Arthur Crabtree]

I can't see him failing in the CC. He's a good player, and he's scored well whenever he has dropped down.

[Aidan11]

His time has probably passed now.

Great player who will be remembered for all the wrong reasons.

[Gingerfinch]

Time to move on. He was great, and cut a bit of a raw deal, though he didn't help himself, but is he still that good that he's worth worrying about?