Were England right to drop Kevin Pieterson?

[Doggy Styles]

England have dropped KP for the deciding last test match at Lords.

Despite being under contract with England, KP has been trying pick and choose when he plays for them so that he can go and play in a lucrative Indian 20/20 tournament, and has allegedly been sending texts to England's South African opponents criticising his captain, coach and team-mates.

However, sport always has its controversial characters, KP is generally accepted as England's best batsman, and without him England have less chance of winning the last test at Lords and remaining number one team in the world.

Are England cutting off their nose to spite their face?

[moggy]

Yes i think they were. At first i did think let him leave and play his cricket in the ipl and fair play to him, even though he made out it wasn't for money - we all knew it was. now it seems that he wants to come back to the one day and 20/20 team, as he knows it helps his profile, but yet still wants to be released for the entire ipl season. I guess this has made the others realise he wants all the cake and to eat it all himself.

Great player, but his ego is writing checks his body cannot cash...

[MarillionFan]

No.

He's been a bit of a prat. Maybe the drop is just for one game, especially as he has now rescinded his limited overs retirement.

If he's banned for more for than one game it will be a travesty. Especially as we're going to be second in the rankings.

[Robinho]

I can see the argument. But overall it has ****ed us for the final test.

[Doggy Styles]

I can see the argument. But overall it has ****ed us for the final test.

Good point.

Principle or pragmatism.

I suppose selecting him might have pissed off other players, who are less than delighted by his behaviour.

[oscarose]

100% correct (IMVHO)

[Old Greg]

100% correct (IMVHO)

+1. This is cricket.

[kaiser78]

They had no choice but to drop him as he didn't come clean about sending the texts. Tough but right decision IMHO. We won't beat SA at Lords with or without him and so remaining #1 team is immaterial.

[Doggy Styles]

He's been left out of the 20/20 world cup squad and 50-over series with the saffers.

Which isn't surprising.

If someone who you've worked with closely for years undermined and insulted you behind your back to your competitors, would you accept an apology by email from their agent?

[moggy]

He's been left out of the 20/20 world cup squad and 50-over series with the saffers.

Which isn't surprising.

If someone who you've worked with closely for years undermined and insulted you behind your back to your competitors, would you accept an apology by email from their agent?

indeed, and to be fair he had already pulled out of the 50 overs and 20/20 as he wanted to play in the ipl.. until he realised that he needs England just as much for his profile and endorsements.