Saturday, August 30, 2008

KP goes nuts over England



Kevin Pietersen was pinching himself again at the riches he has inherited and which have steamrollered South Africa.
The England captain reflected on Friday's 126-run demolition of the lacklustre tourists with a roll call of the talents at his disposal.
Half-centuries from Andrew Flintoff (78no) and Ian Bell (73) helped England cash in on a fast pitch to the tune of 296 for seven - and new boy Samit Patel (five for 41) then took advantage of South Africa's troubles in their hapless 170 all out.
While South Africa coach Mickey Arthur was left to list his team's failings, Pietermaritzburg-born Pietersen has the five-match series in the bag and was able to heap praise on a team he hopes can now complete a whitewash to take England up to a best placing of second in the one-day international rankings,
"One of my biggest goals was trying to get guys playing to their best potential - improving every single day, loving playing for England, loving the badge and just walking out there and fulfilling every single bit of talent that is in the dressing room," he gushed.
"It's happened so far - the guys have been absolutely brilliant."
Pietersen can see no apparent weaknesses in a team who may soon have only world champions Australia above them in the pecking order.
"At the top, that opening stand between Bell and (Matt) Prior was magnificent.
"We know how talented Owais Shah is - we've still to see the best of him.
"Freddie was absolutely brilliant again.
"Colly [Paul Collingwood] was a bit unfortunate how he got out, but we all know how good he is - and he delivers.
"Then I have guys who bowl at 90mph and two guys who bat as well, (Stuart) Broad and Flintoff."
By no means least is Patel, a former county club-mate of Pietersen's, who played his part with the bat in a sixth-wicket stand of 74 with Flintoff, as well as his left-arm spin.
"Then we find my little friend here, who I used to play cricket in Nottingham with five or six years ago, turns up and delivers like he did today ... absolutely remarkable," the captain added.
"Samit batted superbly with Freddie; he took a great catch to get (Jacques) Kallis - a huge, huge wicket for us - and then bowled like Sanath Jayasuriya. Brilliant.
"It's a position I'm very fortunate to be in and very, very proud of."
Only three years ago, Patel was still a Trent Bridge net bowler when England were in town for Test matches.
"It's always been a dream to play for England," he said.
"Playing with Kev you've got freedom to play cricket and enjoy it. As an individual, you can't ask for any more than that.
"As a newcomer in the team, all the guys have been great."
Arthur's mood could hardly have been in starker contrast - and he was not frightened to make sure his players, without exception, know they must do better.
"I think everyone is under serious threat at the moment. We're going to need some big performances from them," he said, looking forward to the two matches remaining in the series.
What happened today was of most concern, though.
"I thought we bowled very, very poorly. I certainly don't think it was a 300 wicket - not by a long way," Arthur added.
"Your first few overs set the momentum. We gave them a lot of runs early on.
"There were far too many extras, far too many extra deliveries bowled. If you take the extras plus the runs scored off them, it was up at 40 odd - which is far too many.
"There is no doubt the guys are tired. But that's no excuse whatsoever.
"We've been outplayed by what I think is a very good England team.
"We've been below par in all three disciplines - certainly below the standards we've set ourselves."

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