On Monday, in a closed-door meeting, England Cricket Board’s director of cricket Andrew Strauss put a stop to the latest comeback bid by Kevin Pietersen.
KP was firmly told that he can’t get back in the team as he isn’t trusted by the ECB. At the same time, KP was offered the role of an adviser to the limited overs side. This decision from Andrew Strauss was met with anger, disappointment and a bit of amusement by most of the ex-cricketers.
Most ex-English cricketers sounded disappointed with the decision.
Michael Vaughan, under whom KP made his test debut, tweeted
“Anyone else struggling to explain to their 9 yr old that KP isn’t allowed to play for Engl…” http://t.co/aDz4OudKmH
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) May 12, 2015
Sir Geoff Boycott had a bit of an advice for KP, score more runs!
Congratulations @KP24 on a fantastic innings. Only spoilt by Strauss & Tom Harrison. Keep your chin up and keep scoring runs! #KPForEngland
— Geoffrey Boycott (@GeoffreyBoycott) May 12, 2015
It was not just ex-England cricketers, some footballers had a say too.
Former England striker, Gary Lineker had this to say
I see Mr Strauss has allowed personal grievance to influence his decisions. Seems extraordinarily petty and immature. Doesn’t bode well.
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) May 12, 2015
Even the gentle Southampton legend Matt Le Tissier was a bit peeved,
Wow! Could Andrew Strauss have made himself look any smaller today!!! You’re a grown man get on with it!
— Matt Le Tissier (@mattletiss7) May 12, 2015
And it was not just the English players who were tearing into Strauss. Former South African captain, Graeme Smith who has been a nightmare for English captains over the years pitched in with this gem
I see the head boy is making English cricket the laughing stock again! #StraussLogic
— Graeme Smith (@GraemeSmith49) May 12, 2015
KP’s teammate at Surrey and Sri Lankan legend Kumar Sangakkara couldn’t resist having a go either at Strauss logic.
“I don’t trust @KP24 enough for him to play for England but I trust him enough to advise me on ODI cricket” #strausslogic .
— Kumar Sangakkara (@KumarSanga2) May 12, 2015
Of course with English cricket in shambles, can’t expect Australians to be far behind. They must be enjoying it a lot.
Cricket Australia just decided to remind everyone who won’t be playing the Ashes
.@KP24 leaves the field after finishing on 355* today… He’s not in England’s #Ashes plans: http://t.co/zk5neTafJR pic.twitter.com/1gzDrR0vFN
— cricket.com.au (@CricketAus) May 12, 2015
KP’s former team-mate at Hampshire, Shane Warne couldn’t quite believe what is going on
Read that my old mate Strauss has said KP won’t play for Eng, but offered him an advisory role to help Eng ? What the ? Serious ? #shambles
— Shane Warne (@ShaneWarne) May 12, 2015
Though some Aussies still want to see KP playing for England
@fwildecricket what a joke #KPForEngland
— Matthew Hayden AM (@HaydosTweets) May 12, 2015
And we save the last for a long time “Bring back KP” crusader, Piers Morgan. He summarised it with this
Not seen a single major sportsman support Strauss today. All think he’s made a terrible mistake. #BringBackKP
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) May 12, 2015
Fair to say, the first day in the new job couldn’t have gone worse for Andrew Strauss.
– by @GappistanRadio
