El Diablo wrote:
He might be a bit of an enigma, that's just the way he is, but I find the idea of a large chunk of England's fans and press singling out (not for the first time) the man who has top-scored for criticism somewhat mystifying. It would have been nice to see him go on and get 100 and more, but 69 is not exactly "cheap" at this level. The problem has been with the top order to some extent and with the bowling attack, with some credit also going to the two batsmen in the middle for the Aussies.
I thought Pietersen, Collingwood, Prior and Flintoff did a decent job as a middle order, and pushed England from a shaky start towards a reasonably defendabloe total.
I thought Pietersen, Collingwood, Prior and Flintoff did a decent job as a middle order, and pushed England from a shaky start towards a reasonably defendabloe total.
The problem with KP was shown by the way Katich and especially Ponting batted yesterday afternoon. They got themselves into position to make a big score, and capitalised. You wont find Ponting throwing his wicket away in the same ridiculous fashion as Kevin did.
Yes he top scored, but he could and should have done so much better on that pitch. If, as many people not least himself believe, he's a world class batsman he needs to turn 69's (ooh-er!) into hundreds, not get out playing pre-meditated shots to unsuitable deliveries.
I know it's part of his make up to not admit to mistakes, he sees it as a sign of weakness. I know he tries stuff that comes off and makes it seem so easy. It's stuff like that that makes it all the more galling when he does throw his wicket away.
