Flintoff calls for resolution of Pietersen-ECB dispute – Cricket News Update
Former England captain http://www.senore.com/Cricket/South-Africa-c757
at Lord’s in London.
“I suppose it's up to the ECB and Kevin to sort it out ... and move on because I imagine http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Andrew-Flower-c44362 and his team want it resolved,” said Flintoff.
Pietersen retired from international limited-overs cricket earlier this year, claiming the team’s schedule was far too hectic for his liking. His request to retire from ODIs and continue in the T20 format of the game was turned down by the ECB.
Additional points of contention between the two parties have surfaced, with Pietersen demanding more flexibility in the schedule – known as a T20 specialist, the right-hander wishes to play a full Indian Premier League season next year, which clashes with
a spring Test series the Poms are due to play against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/New-Zealand-c754.
The controversy took a new turn when Pietersen, after having scored a stellar century during the second match of England’s ongoing series against the Proteas (upon which depends the Poms’ top Test team status) which ended in a draw, called a press conference
during which he threatened to quit Test cricket if his concerns were not taken into account.
In addition to his differences with the board, the 32-year-old also hinted at discord in the dressing room, suggesting that he felt isolated. Flintoff, however, is of the view that this is a non-issue.
“In the dressing room, you've got a squad of 14 and the only thing you have in common is you all play cricket,” he pointed out. “That doesn't mean you're all going to get on - what's important is you come together on the pitch.”
“When your backs are against the wall - and England's are a bit, at the moment - they need to unite as a team and perform next week,” Flintoff added.
England lost the first Test to the Proteas by an innings and 12 runs, while the second match ended in a draw. The final Test will prove to be the series decider, and is due to be played at Lord’s from August 16 to 20.
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