A few weeks ago people were saying things like he should be dropped, he’s not in form, he’s not a team player. No, I’m not on about Stuart Broad, but Kevin Pietersen.
I’ve just checked the stats for KP and he was top series run scorer with 533 runs at an average of 106.6 (the highest average) and a best score of 202no. Not bad for a man who was supposed to be struggling and who hasn’t really taken any plaudits for the England teams great victory over India.
Ian Bell also topped the 500 runs mark (504 runs) with KP, Bell had a top score of 235 and an average of 84.00. Matt Prior contributed again, 271 runs with an average of 67.75 and Man of the Series Stuart Broad, chipped in with 182 runs at an average of 60.66.
But in Broad’s case, it was the significance of the runs. They weren’t just tail end slog runs, they were valuable runs, none more so than the 64 he got in the 1st innings at Trent Bridge which just about kept England in the test match and ultimately paved the way to the series whitewash.
Aided by a not out, Tim Bresnan also managed a massive average of 77 with 154 runs down the order, showing just how strong England’s ‘tail’ is these days. Anderson averaged 20 and Swann 18.33 and they were coming in at 11 and 10 respectively.
The other were as follows, Cook 58 – not bad considering he only played one innings, Bopara 51 – I think I’ll have to recheck that, Strauss 38.16, Morgan 32.33 and Trott 24.50.
Cricket Betting Blog
Re, Andrew Strauss. I’d like to add to my last paragraph that ‘while the side is winning (Strauss’ lack of runs) it isn’t a problem’.
I was referring to the media’s potential coverage of Strauss’ run of form if it doesn’t pick up. As no doubt they will turn on him when we lose a series.