Gough backs Pietersen’s return to http://www.senore.com/Cricket/England-c749 squad – Cricket News Update
Former England fast bowler http://www.senore.com/Cricket/KP-Pietersen-c1806 saga, claiming that while there has been immaturity on both sides, newly-appointed Test captain Alastair Cook seems to be the right man to bring about a resolution.
The contention between Pietersen and the England team and management arises out of a plethora of issues, among these a Twitter account parodying Pietersen, which the 32-year-old claimed had been created by his teammates, and derogatory text messages targeting
then skipper http://www.senore.com/Cricket/AJ-Strauss-c964 and the England team management, which Pietersen allegedly sent to members of the visiting South African team.
The tiff led the ECB to exclude Pietersen from the squad for the final Test match against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/India-c750 later this year (in
December 2012/January 2013) having been extended to this Tuesday, the issue still hangs in limbo.
Gough pointed out that while both sides had displayed immature, unacceptable behaviour, the time had come to sort out the issue, and move on.
“... haven't we all called the boss a few names at some stage?” he pointed out. “You don't have to be the best of friends on the pitch; you just have to be prepared to work together.
“What do you do? You look at each other in the eye, shake hands and get on with it.”
He went on to refer to the relationship he had shared with then skipper http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Nasser-Hussain-c78777, explaining that while they had argued extensively off the field, neither had held grudges, or allowed the disagreements to affect their on-field relationship.
Talks held between Pietersen and team director http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Andrew-Flower-c44362 came to naught, but a resolution to the issue appears to be on the cards – Gough stated that newly appointed Test captain Cook could play a pivotal role in bringing about a reconciliation, and recalling
Pietersen in order to ensure England have the best XI possible as they take on India.
“http://www.senore.com/Cricket/AN-Cook-c1026 has come in ... he's come in determined to take the best side he can to India,” Gough pointed out.
“He knows - we all know - that Kevin is in the best team. I'm very hopeful he'll be in the team now.”
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