Pietersen Called up to ODI squad

[Pete]

Originally Posted by Matthew Maynard

"Kevin Pietersen did really well in Zimbabwe and slotted into the number five position quite comfortably there.

"He came in and showed a lot of promise and that is why he was called here. No doubt he will hold that position at the start of this tour."

Looks like he's officially taken Freddie's place now.

[Paoli]

He left South Africa because of the quota system

[John]

Look how many talented players lost out because of the Quota. Would you call Dippenar and Hall talented? They have regular places despite no apparent talent. Pietersen must have other reasons.
I am all for the quota system the game has got to be spread far and wide and one way of doing that is playing non white players even if they haven't reached the required standard. Because it acts as a message to the other members of the community that cricket is open to them and that can only strengthen cricket in SA in the long term.

[Pete]

Maybe they were offering him more money in England or something.

[Pete]

Few more players that have left for England..

Stephen Moore

http://usa.cricinfo.com/db/PLAYERS/E...E_SC_01045493/

Jonathan Trott

http://usa.cricinfo.com/db/PLAYERS/R..._IJL_03010407/

Johann Louw

http://usa.cricinfo.com/db/PLAYERS/R...UW_J_03017857/

[John]

Thanks for the Info on those players.
I don't know the reasons why they want to play for England instead SA. Maybe they no longer identify with SA anymore. Don't forget SA has got a bit of a different history to somewhere like Britain.
The interesting question is how do they identify with England? They proably see it as the best way to pursue their career after having become thoroughly ********** off with SA.
I think David Gower once said something to the effect people overate nationalism when it comes to performing for your country. There can other motivating factors.

[Essex Eagle]

I guess the reason a lot of Saffies leave for England is that the game here at FC level is professional.

What i mean by that is that you can make a career out of that level here, whereas you cant in places like Australia

I dont think Johann Louw wants to play for England, i think he is just getting a good contract to play cricket here

Although a lot of South Africans have played for England, dont forget Tony Greig,Allan Lamb & Robin Smith all have British parent(s) as does K Pietersen. He has an Afrikaans father and an English mother

[Pete]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/cric...re/3667002.stm

BBC reckons he wants to qualify for England?

He doesn't play in South Africa anymore either, he quit after playing 2 games this season.. Saying he wants to be properly fit for the English season.

[John]

Thanks for that bit of info Essex Eagle. I am sure your right about the professionalism.
I am lapsed Essex fan. I used to go and see them regularly between 1979- 1987. The first year I really took an interest in cricket they won the County championship and B+H.
They had a South African playing for them Ken Mcewan. They had another who played for them a few years later but he wasn't a great success.
I still sort of support them but I have been about 3 times in the last ten years.

[stumpcams Rule]

Stick him in the squad for the ashes and bring on the aussies thats what i say