England coach Andy Flower is "very excited" about Kevin Pietersen's performance despite the talented batsman's most recent failure against left-arm spin. England finished a superb innings and 14-run win in the first Test in Cardiff after bundling out Sri Lanka for a mere 82 in the tourists' second innings in under two amazing hours at Sophia Gardens on Monday. It was also strange to see Pietersen contribute just three runs in England's of 496 for five declared. He was the only batsman to score in single figure.
For Pietersen, who was lbw to Rangana Herath, it was the 19th occasion in Tests the South Africa-born batsman had fallen to a left-arm spinner."It is obvious he has had his issues," commented Flower. Despite KP scoring an Ashes double hundred in Adelaide six innings ago, he finds himself in a position where knives seems to be out for him. However, Flower, himself a quality batsman while representing Zimbabwe - said he is certain Pietersen's willow will start talking again.
"I will be completely honest with you, I am very excited by what I see from KP at the moment," he said."I think he's on the verge of being a very heavy scorer again. I love the way he's training and I know when he transfers that to the middle he's going to be a very heavy scorer," said Flower. He added: "I imagine him having a great summer for England."With regard to Pietersen's problem at playing the likes of Herath, Flower said: "He's had his obvious battles playing left-arm spin but he is aware of them and is working hard at them."
For Pietersen, who was lbw to Rangana Herath, it was the 19th occasion in Tests the South Africa-born batsman had fallen to a left-arm spinner."It is obvious he has had his issues," commented Flower. Despite KP scoring an Ashes double hundred in Adelaide six innings ago, he finds himself in a position where knives seems to be out for him. However, Flower, himself a quality batsman while representing Zimbabwe - said he is certain Pietersen's willow will start talking again.
"I will be completely honest with you, I am very excited by what I see from KP at the moment," he said."I think he's on the verge of being a very heavy scorer again. I love the way he's training and I know when he transfers that to the middle he's going to be a very heavy scorer," said Flower. He added: "I imagine him having a great summer for England."With regard to Pietersen's problem at playing the likes of Herath, Flower said: "He's had his obvious battles playing left-arm spin but he is aware of them and is working hard at them."
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