Mumbai: Calling England and Wales Cricket Board’s decision to ignore Kevin Pietersen as “strange”, former India skipper Rahul Dravid said England will be under pressure during the upcoming Ashes series in July-August. “I enjoyed interacting with KP. It is strange and disappointing for him and his fans. He was given the impression that he would be picked if he scores runs in County cricket. But that didn’t happen. England have put a lot of pressure on themselves.
If they win the Ashes then it will be fine but if they lose then this (KP) issue will rack up again,” the Rajasthan Royals team mentor said at the launch of a new social initiative “Bat for the Girl Child” aimed at empowering the girl child. Pietersen was told by newly-appointed England Director of Cricket, Andrew Strauss, hours after cracking an unbeaten triple hundred for Surrey in a county game that he will not be considered for England in the immediate future.
Former England woman cricketer of Indian origin, Isa Guha, echoed Dravid’s views but felt Pietersen issue has overshadowed everything. “It has not been handled well by both sides. There has been a miscommunication. Like Rahul said, it will put a lot of pressure on England. I just hope English cricket can come out good,” Guha said.
“But a lot has gone on in last two-three years. He hasn’t helped himself in particular situations. There is a lot of baggage there. They seem to have decided to move on. It’s sad there is so much focus on KP though there are fine young players like Root, Balance, Butler and others,” Guha added.
