Bob Willis has accused Kevin Pietersen for holding England to ransom - Cricket News Roundup – Part 1 – August 09, 2012
On Wednesday, former England captain Bob Willis jabbed Kevin Pietersen for holding the England cricket team to ransom after the flamboyant batsman threatened to quit playing for England by the end of the three-match Test series against South Africa.
Talking to Sky Sports television, Willis argued, “He's clearly got his nose severely out of joint by not being included in England's initial squad of 30 for the Twenty20 World Cup in Sri Lanka in September. He wants to earn his $2.5 million and he is holding England to ransom.”
KP, after smacking an astounding knock of 149 in the second Test at Leeds, received commemoration from everywhere, however, his ill-timed statement regarding his future as an England player has sparked controversy, and overshadowed the forthcoming series finale at Lord’s.
England’s former pacer, Dominic Cork, has expressed his disappointment towards Kevin Pietersen for giving an irresponsible statement after England’s draw against South Africa at Leeds.
According to Cork, the players in the national team, have lost patience regarding KP and are sick of his attitude.
“There are obviously players whose patience is wearing thin.”
Arguing that the saga has taken the limelight away from the series, Cork said, “What it does is it takes the focus away from exactly what this is all about. It's not about a Kevin Pietersen story, it's about an England side who are trying to hold onto that No.1 status.”
KP is failing to find any support, which has further cast doubts on his future in the national team.
England captain, Andrew Strauss, has chosen to stay away from the controversy, refusing to comment on the statements by the all-rounder. However, the skipper clarified that team interest holds supremacy over individual goals.
Paul Collingwood’s 78-run knock has put Durham in the driving seat against Surrey on Wednesday, August 08.
After getting hammered for 129 runs by Surrey in the first innings, Durham bounced back by posting a staggering tally of 310, thanks to an outstanding batting performance from skipper Collingwood.
Surrey now trail by 112 runs, after posting 69 runs for the loss of five wickets in their second innings.