London: Former Australian opening batsman Matthew Hayden has batted for Kevin Pietersen and described England’s decision to continually overlook the star batsman as “ludicrous”.
“It’s ludicrous Kevin Pietersen is not in the England squad. It’s just crazy. World Cups are won on innovative batting,” Hayden, who scored 8,625 runs in 103 Test matches, said.
Pietersen tweeted his approval of the move, saying: “Great news that Eoin Morgan is new captain. Top player, leader and bloke. Hope I get to play for him.”
After releasing him from his central contract, ECB managing director Paul Downton said that Pietersen had appeared “disinterested” and “distracted” during the fifth Test at the SCG.
Downton also claimed he was unable to find a single person who wanted the batsman to stay in the England side. The ECB and Downton later apologised for the remarks.
Asked about whether Pietersen may be recalled following Morgan’s promotion to captain, Downton said: “We parted company with Kevin because throughout the ECB management, from the dressing room up to the board, it was felt that it was the right decision to go in a slightly different direction.”
In Pietersen’s book, he claimed there was a “bullying culture” within the England team. He said former coach Andy Flower “ruled by fear” and former wicketkeeper Matt Prior was a disruptive influence on the team. —IANS
It’s ludicrous Kevin Pietersen is not in the England squad. It’s just crazy. World Cups are won on innovative batting- Matthew Hayden,Former Australian batsman
