If we were going to give it a proper go, surely Prior had to come in at first drop. Then if he got out, revert to type and bat it out. Even then, if we ever looked like getting close, Smith could easily have shut it down. Still, some fun and games for the paying and non-paying crowd alike.

As for Pietersen... Never good to see players retire before their time is up, but if that's his attitude, don't let the door hit yer on the way out

Given the number of elongated, meaningless 50 over series' we have nowadays I had some sympathy with Pietersen's stance on them, though I think the ECB were right not to change the rules for one player, whoever that may be.

Wanting to pick and choose test matches is another thing altogether IMO, you're either (fitness permitting) available for them all or not at all as far as I am concerned. If he just wants to be a freelance T20 player then see you later Kev.

On another note the Lions/Australia A game starting today at Old Trafford could be quite good. If the match situation demands it, and the weather's good I might try and get over on Friday. Shame they didn't schedule it over a weekend.

Is he really going to quit over a spoof twitter account? Massive prima donna

who cares ?

let him go and good riddance...

It just goes to show what an utter bellend he is. Mard a*se.

"It's hard being me ... in that dressing room"

F---ing grow up. You're what, 32? Jeebus.

Its difficult to believe that he was actually given the captaincy of the side....

The problem with Pieterson is that he is 100% ego, always wanting to be told how good he is - The problem is, in a team sport, that sort of character will always create problems. Its no coincidence that he has had several incidents which have led to him leaving clubs, many of which have been caused by dressing room unrest.

The funny thing, is at any level of team sport, you come across egotists like KP....Having played cricket for many years, I've come across quite a few Pieterson-type players, and most usually end up spitting their dummies out and leaving, much to the amusement of their team mates, who usually can't stand them, but put up with them simply because they are useful to their side.

I see a similar ending to this episode, and a similar response of 'good riddance' from his team mates.

Slightly peeved that with the number 1 spot on the line we didn't give it a better go for the first 3 wickets or so. I know it was a major risk but sometimes you have too.

KP is just showing himself up as an idiot.

Gutted I couldn't get today off work to go over to Old Trafford, seems I'm missing some classic Mitchell Johnson.

Bowling to the left is he?



Started writing something about Pietersen and I've ended up depressing myself.

try doing some work, that will cheer you up ! not to mention your employer ?

Pfft. Work is over-rated. And what if I've engineered everything so it works perfectly? (I haven't)

then you're a genius my friend - tell me how it's done !

rlThe thing about Pietersenrl