Englad V South Africa

KevIRL

Its the final One Day International of the series

England all out for 240 (49.9overs)

Pietersen does it again with 116.

KevIRL

South Africa won it handy enough in the end by 3 wickets with one over to spare

241-7 (49overs)

DMC

Pietersen is the find of the year... more so than Strauss, I think. He has to be picked for the Bangladesh series, before the Ashes.

But England persisted in Geraint Jones as an opener, which I couldn't understand breaking up Tresco and Strauss. He is a good batsman, but he's no Gilchrist, who can keep and open the batting. Tresco and Harmison couldn't get on the plane back to Blighty soon enough, very poor show from them.

South Africa... well... I think they got lucky that England more or less burned themselves out in the Test series.

WellyJ

What a catch from Harmison though to dismiss Hall sepite some average fielding from him throughout the rest of the day. SA seem to be getting back to some form but the bowlers are what they need to sort out. Pollock is still great but isnt getting any younger. Great Batting lineup though. They bat all the way through the 11 almost. I would be worried for England if, as you say, they stick with Jones as opener. He really isnt up to the role. Get Trescothick and Strauss back there as soon as possible. It just makes no sense to not have them opening. Good series overall particularly watching Pietersen and Kemp battling it out. What a treat it would have ben if pieterson was batting alongside Kemp in an SA shirt. The bowlers would have given up

WellyJ

The Rooster

Can anyone enlighten me on Kevin Pietersen. Whats his background? Why is it that Duncan Flectcher had never seen him play prior to the tour of Zimbabwe, and why was he always booed by the South African fans?

WellyJ

He is South African born moved to england 5~ years ago to try and get in the English team. Good reason to boo him really

DMC

In relation to Duncan Fletcher not seeing Pietersen before, the England coach doesn't get much of a chance to watch county games anymore (as the best players are now centrally contracted), so he relies on his selectors to do that. I believe it was the same with Andrew Strauss.