James Anderson calls http://www.senore.com/Cricket/KP-Pietersen-c1806 a special talent - Cricket News Update
http://www.senore.com/Cricket/JM-Anderson-c1705, hailed Kevin Pietersen as one of the best Test batsmen at the present, following the latter’s scintillating 149 against the Proteas during the second Test at Headingley.
Despite the rain-marred Test ending in a draw, the home side created a realistic chance of levelling the series on the final day.
The middle-order batsman had set the tone with his century which saw his side take a slender six-run lead. He came in when the Poms were precariously placed and after a tentative start, blossomed in the final session to post his 21st career Test century, the second most by an English player.
Pietersen was particularly severe to Dale Steyn, who conceded 64 runs alone off the right-hander including 12 boundaries, while also nullified http://www.senore.com/Cricket/M-Morkel-c73528’s short-ball threat.
“To take apart one of the best attacks in world cricket in the way that he did proves what a special talent he is. In my opinion no other batsman in world cricket could have played an innings like he did,” said Anderson.
“Kevin likes to take the game to the opposition, and the way he did that to Morne Morkel and http://www.senore.com/Cricket/DW-Steyn-c1409 excited us in the dressing room just as much as it did the crowd,” Anderson further added.
His crafty knock, during which he became the quickest player to reach 7000 Test runs, further gave the bowlers the self belief to put in a valiant effort on Day 5. KP himself started the fight back by claiming the top order wickets, after which http://www.senore.com/Cricket/SCJ-Broad-c2465 turned on the style to bag a quick five-for to bowl out the opposition for 258 as England, were set 253 to win from 39 overs.
Despite a tall ask, the hosts began impressively before deciding to take a cautious approach, ending on 130 for 4.
“I was just happy it wasn't me out there bowling. Kevin brought a win back into the equation, things could have gone badly against us,” the English spearhead remarked.
The final Test of the series will be played at the Lord’s which is set to start from Aug 16.
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