KP shines in Big Bash swansong
Kevin PieterSen’S Australian adventure came to an end yesterday but not before he provided a vintage glimpse of the talent that made him one of england’s greatest batsmen.
Pietersen’s melbourne Stars bowed out of the Australian Big Bash when they were defeated by Perth Scorchers in the semi-final of a competition that has showcased much of what is good in modern twenty20 cricket.
Yet Pietersen gave an Australian public that has warmed to him something to remember with a switch-hit for six that conjured memories of his prime before everything went so badly wrong with england.
‘that’s the shot of the tournament,’ cooed commentator damien Fleming as Pietersen hit left- arm wrist spinner Brad Hogg for a six that was measured at 86 metres.
it was not enough for melbourne as, with Perth turning the screw, Pietersen was unable to conjure up the match-winning performance so much of Australia would have welcomed with the england side that spurned him also in town.
So it was Perth, complete with another discarded england batsman in michael Carberry, who thrilled the capacity crowd at the WACA by reaching Wednesday’s final against Sydney.
Pietersen was out for 31 off 27 balls as melbourne failed to reach Perth’s 144 and was unable to add a decisive contribution to the three halfcenturies that have made him one of the outstanding performers of the tournament.
melbourne fell 20 short of that to the delight of a Perth crowd who provided another glowing reference for a competition that has offered a template for england to follow if the new regime at the eCB are brave enough to implement it.
it was a wicked twist of fate that brought Pietersen here the day after england arrived to take on india in the tri-series but there was to be no fairytale script for him. instead, Perth and Hampshire’s Carberry hit a halfcentury to show moores that Pietersen is not the only exengland batsman in the Big Bash nursing a grievance.
So Pietersen has proved he can nurture the flickering flame of his talent for a little while yet, but what happens to him next will be fascinating.
Sportsmail understands that Surrey have no intention of re- signing him so it is possible he has played in english cricket for the last time, particularly with the eCB’s move last week to reduce the counties’ salary cap.
if he was really serious about proving to england that he is committed enough to play for them again, of course, he should play first-class cricket, irrespective of the size of the pay packet.
His friend matt maynard may give him the chance to do that now he has become Somerset’s coach.
But if, as expected, Pietersen would prefer to cash in on twenty20 riches overseas then everyone should accept that england are moving on without him — and enjoy any glimpses of his still rare ability when they are provided, as was the case yesterday.