Pietersen’s passed his first test as captain but still has work to do
Already we’ve seen the Kevin Pietersen effect rub off on the England Test side – now it will be interesting to see how he can revitalise the ailing one-day setup, still reeling after a heavy defeat by New Zealand.
Pietersen’s captaincy for the fourth and final Test at The Oval was infectious, encouraging his players with a touchy-feely approach and creating a much more united front.
Leading his side to a six-wicket win has brought a much-needed positive vibe to English cricket after two months of negativity and gives the side hope leading into the winter.
Disarray
Pietersen acquitted himself superbly and his belief in recalling old mate Steve Harmison back to the Test side was rewarded with a fine individual performance. Steve looked back to his best with the ball and his 49no in the first innings was crucial in the context of the game.
But while Pietersen’s approach worked in a Test side which just needed the odd tweak, now we are talking about restructuring a one-day set-up in disarray. This is where his job becomes more difficult.
With a Twenty20 game and five one-day internationals against South Africa still to come, England have a lot of work left to do and a lot of pride to play for.
First Pietersen needs to come up with a team selection that works. Personally, I would like to see a new opening partnership to give England an attacking dimension with Ian Bell and Andrew Flintoff ideal to get us off to a fast start.
A quickfire 30 or 40 in the opening five overs is something we have lacked and that can often prove the difference in winning a game.