England coach Andy Flower advises Kevin Pietersen to focus on becoming the world’s top batsman
The English coach, Andy Flower, has advised all-rounder Kevin Pietersen to leave behind any regrets that he may have after not being considered for captaincy and focus more on becoming the top batsman in world cricket.
On Friday, May 6, 2011. England named Andrew Strauss as the Test captain, Alastair Cook as the One Day skipper and pacer Stuart Broad as the Twenty20 captain.
Speaking to media, Flower, whose contract was extended for another term by the http://www.senore.com/Cricket/England-c56013 and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said, “I think Kevin may be disappointed not to be involved in the leadership team for the next few years. However, we are very keen for
Kevin to become the leading batsman, not only in the English side but in world cricket.”
Praising the all-rounder, the English coach went on to say, “He is ambitious and that is a great thing. He is an outstanding talent. He could be one of the best if not the best batsman in the world and we want him to regain that status because that will
help him feel fulfilled and it will help us win cricket matches."
Earlier there were rumours that Pietersen was thinking of quitting ODI cricket, however, Flower has shot them down, making it clear that the all-rounder still is eager to play the fifty-over game.
Flower also reiterated that Pietersen was fully committed to play cricket for England and rumours about lack of focus were totally baseless.
According to the English coach, Pietersen is an integral part of the English team and he is expected to deliver quality cricket. Flower strongly believes that Pietersen is a quality cricketer who has the potential to make valuable contributions to English
cricket.
Flower wants Pietersen to end his career on a high note and leave as a proud all-rounder. The English coach wants to see Pietersen right at the top.
Pietersen suffered a big setback when he had to leave the English World Cup campaign halfway through because of a hernia problem. England consequently lost their quarter-final fixture against Sri Lanka and were ousted from the tournament.
According to reports the all-rounder has recovered after his hernia surgery and is expected to join the team in the Test series against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Sri-Lanka-c758 which beginning May 26, 2011.
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