Pietersen fires back at Downton
Kevin Pietersen released a lengthy statement refuting several claims made by England and Wales Cricket Board managing director Paul Downton on Thursday.
Kevin Pietersen released a lengthy statement refuting several claims made by England and Wales Cricket Board managing director Paul Downton on Thursday.
Offering some detail on Pietersen's axing for the first time, Downton said in an interview that the England batsman was "disinterested" and "distracted" during the Ashes and accused him of having a "'this-is-the-way-I-play' type of attitude."
Responding in a lengthy statement on his own website, Pietersen said: "The suggestion that I was uninterested during the winter Ashes series against Australia is wholly untrue.
"Although I was having injections in my knee, which inhibited my mobility and thus my ability to field close to the wicket, I was fully motivated to play for England and whilst I accept that the series as a whole fell well below my own personal standards, I finished the series as the top scorer.
"I did, and continue to have a good relationship with most of the England players, which has been subsequently highlighted by a number of press interviews.
"With regard to the criticisms aimed at my "the way I play type attitude", I feel it's only reasonable to remind Mr Downton that this method has brought me over 13,500 runs for England, in addition to being part of four Ashes-winning teams and a World T20-winning side, all of which achievements I am hugely proud of.
"I will continue to abide by the confidentiality provisions contained in my settlement agreement, which I believe applies to both the ECB and myself."
Latest
-
NewsChris Silverwood backs ‘fighter’ Dan Lawrence to make step up to Test cricket
The Essex batsmen is in line for an England Test debut against Sri Lanka on Thursday.
-
NewsRavichandran Ashwin condemns alleged racial abuse of Mohammed Siraj by SCG fans
Play was halted on day four of the third Test between Australia and India while six spectators were escorted out of Sydney Cricket Ground by police.
-
NewsInvestigation launched after Indian players allegedly abused by crowd in Sydney
Play was held up while police and security guards escorted six people from Sydney Cricket Ground.
-
NewsJos Buttler determined to keep standards high with gloves and bat in Sri Lanka
The 30-year-old has Ben Foakes and Jonny Bairstow for competition in the England side.
-
NewsEngland’s Dom Bess thinks pitch for Friday’s warm-up won’t be repeated in series
England finally took to the pitch in Hambantota for a low-key workout between Team Root and Team Buttler.
-
NewsProteas name Test squad for Pakistan tour
South Africa have named a 21-man touring party for the two-Test series in Pakistan.
-
NewsSmith makes distinction between out of runs and out of form
Steve Smith put paid to the suggestion he was out of form with a fighting hundred against India.
-
NewsEngland warm-up under way in Sri Lanka
The touring squad has returned a second round of clear Covid-19 tests following Moeen Ali’s positive result.
-
NewsJack Leach awaiting Covid vaccine news after ‘scary’ vulnerable classification
The England spinner takes medication for Crohn’s disease, leaving his immune system weakened.
-
NewsJonny Bairstow ready to tap into Jacques Kallis class during Sri Lanka tour
The England batsman is enthused about working with the Proteas great.