Pietersen could be ‘major problem’ for England’s Ashes campaign: Buchanan

LONDON - Former Australia coach John Buchanan believes Kevin Pietersen could be a major problem in England’s Ashes campaign if the under performing star fails to rediscover his batting form.

Buchanan, who worked on a consultancy basis for a week with the England and Wales Cricket Board last summer, has a previous history of criticising Pietersen, describing him as a “man apart” and selfish for refusing to bat at No 4. He {Pietersen} is a quality player and he could be an incredible strength for them but, if he’s not scoring runs, he could become a major problem for the batting line-up and the entire team. Andy Flower has been trying to work on that,” Buchanan told The Wisden Cricketer magazine.

“Pietersen hasn’t done himself or the team any favours with his recent Twittering. Two of the things that will be tested in Australia are strength and unity and clearly he hasn’t understood his role within the team yet,” he said.

Despite his concerns over Pietersen, Buchanan believes England can be “world leaders within the next three years” and possess mental strength missing from previous sides.

“They seem to have a new mental toughness and they are more consistent, except for the odd glitch, which is mainly Kevin Pietersen. They need to retain this united spirit and sense of purpose,” he said.

“England teams in the past would often be beaten before the Test started. They didn’t believe in themselves, even when they were ahead, but they are better at handling that now,” he tells the magazine. (ANI)