Broad refutes Pietersen’s claims of discord in England dressing room – Cricket News Update
England paceman http://www.senore.com/Cricket/South-Africa-c757 for
the final Test of the ongoing 3-match series, at Lord’s in London.
Pietersen, already at loggerheads with the England and Wales Cricket Board owing to his reservations regarding the national team’s packed schedule, and his desire to retire from ODIs while retaining his spot in the T20 squad, sparked further controversy
after giving a press conference following the team’s second Test against the Proteas at Headingley.
The 32-year-old raised doubts regarding his Test career, claiming he might have played his last game for the Poms. He pointed at divisions within the ECB, and within the team, going on to add that there were serious dressing room issues that needed to be
resolved.
Pietersen hinted that he felt isolated in the dressing room, and rumours suggest that a fake twitter account in his name, which is being followed by several members of the squad, also has him upset. However, Broad has completely dismissed any claims of
unrest in the dressing room.
“From that press conference, you could be led to think that (feeling isolated) but in the changing room it is an amazing place to play,” Broad insisted.
“We spend virtually every day together, it is thoroughly enjoyable ... There is not a better working environment to go into.”
England are currently playing a crucial Test series against the visiting South African team. The first Test ended in a humiliating defeat for the Poms, by an innings and 12 runs, while the second ended in a draw, despite a century from Pietersen (149).
The third and final Test, due to be played from August 16 to 20, decides the fate of the series, and Broad insists that any issues, if there are any, need to be resolved prior to the match, in order to ensure team unity during the game.
“...within the four walls, I wouldn't have thought there was a problem,” said the pacer. “But if there is a problem, it is important it gets sorted and we take the field at Lord's with 11 guys who want to win for England ... If you just have one player slightly
off, it can be quite damaging.”
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