By Richard Sydenham
LEEDS, England, Aug 6 – Kevin Pietersen put his England test
future in doubt on Monday, saying that he would announce his
decision following the final test match against South Africa
later this month.
The 32-year-old batsman, named man of the match for his
exhilarating 149 that helped England draw the second test on
Monday, said he was in talks with the England and Wales Cricket
Board.
“”I will talk after the next test match,” Pietersen told
reporters. ““It’s tough being me, playing for England.”
“It’s absolutely 100 per cent not about money….. There are
clear things that I’m discussing. But there are other issues
that need to be sorted. You’ll find out soon enough. You’re not
going to find out tonight.”
He admitted that part of his discussions centre on his
participation in the Indian Premier League (IPL) where he has a
lucrative contract with the Delhi Daredevils.
Asked if the Lord’s test could be his last, he said: “
“Anything’s possible. “It would be a huge shame. I love playing
Test cricket for England, but … we’ll see.
“”For me, the saddest part about all this is that the
spectators just love watching me play – and I love playing for
England.”
Captain Andrew Strauss, whose side are 1-0 down in the
three-match series, refused to answer questions on Pietersen’s
future.
Continued…
