Kevin Pieterson - Any thoughts ?

cR4cKF0x 5TevE

KP is still one of the best English batsmen, but issues obviously remain between him and some of the current players (most probably Stuart Broad who was heavily involved in the "KPLegend" parody twitter account).

Oddly enough though, I don't think batting is England's biggest issue - England need a 'destroyer' bowler: either a VERY quick and aggressive fast bowler (like Mitchell Johnson, e.g. Tymal Wills or Jamie Overton) or a top notch spinner.

I see a couple of whitewashes this summer: I can't see England winning a test against either New Zealand or Australia.

faiz0

Interesting to see how Wood gets on on this game, quite speedy by all accounts.

It's scandalous that there's no better spinner in the country than Moeen Ali.

cR4cKF0x 5TevE

Wood isn't 'unplayably quick': he's a 'skiddy', 'hit the ground hard', type of bowler but not real express pace.  Quickest in the county game are the two I mentioned, plus Steve Finn used to be very quick until the England bowling coaches 'remodelled' his action.

Adam Riley (off spinner at Kent) and Scott Borthwick (leg break bowler at Durham) are the only real spin options who deserve a go; with perhaps Adil Rashid (leg breaks) as well.

faiz0

Isn't Borthwick just a batsman now?

The hierarchy don't trust Rashid, one bad ball an over.

cR4cKF0x 5TevE

Good point: Borthwick doesn't bowl as much as he used to/ought to.

Rumours/whispers that Rashid is a 'bit of a character' and 'needs some managing'.

faiz0

Yorkshire seem to do it well enough.

cR4cKF0x 5TevE

Don't see Surrey having too many problems with Pietersen either.  Says more about England than the individuals.

I also rate Steve Davies very highly, but once he came out England dropped him like a stone.

cR4cKF0x 5TevE

Wood is bowling sharply today; not sure I believe the speed gun readings all the time though.

Shame to read this as well:  Sussex bowler Tymal Mills may have to retire from first-class cricket | Sport | The Guardian .

faiz0

Shame about Mills, could have developed into the kind of lightning quick bowler England need right now.