Pietersen and Kohli show the way

Amazing watching the likes of KP and today Virat Kohli in full flight. When a batsman is really on top of a bowling attack it's incredible to watch them dictate the field and then place the ball where the fielder was before. Or in some cases ignore the field and just hit the ball for six.

I didn't get to see much of Pietersen's recent knocks but I saw the highlights of Kohli's and it really was sensational - the very best any of the commentators had seen so that's the combined spectating of the likes of Mark Nicholas, Tubby Taylor, Mark Slater and Tony Greig. It was essentially batting like the final stages of a Twenty20 innings for an extended period of time leaving one of the best ODI bowlers in the world, Lasith Malinga, with figures of 7.4 overs, 1 for 96. And also leaving Dilshan who scored 160 not out (off 165 balls) way short of the man-of-the-match award.

Kohli ended up with 133 not out off 86 at a strike rate of 154 to give India a chance of going through to the tri-series final if Australia do them a favour and beat Sri Lanka in the final group match. To get the bonus point they needed to win inside of 40 overs and did so with 20 balls to spare, scoring 321-3. Pretty special - why can't they do that every time?!?

Where is Samit Patel?

When the England squad was announced for the Pakistan series I commented on one of the many cricket sites that I read that I would have taken Samit Patel, either instead of Bopara or a pace bowler, giving England the opportunity to match Pakistan's 3 spinners if they wanted to. With speculation mounting that Morgan will be dropped, it seems Bopara is near certain to play but talented though he is, I don't feel any more confident in him than Morgan. Personally I'd stick with Morgan and tell him to look to be aggressive. It looks like they might both play now anyway, as Bell is ill.

Interesting that most of the pieces that refer to Morgan being likely to be dropped use Pietersen as the headline when surely the headline should be about Morgan? This piece on Cricinfo is an example - titled Pietersen low on runs and time...then suggesting Morgan will be dropped and Pietersen won't. Pietersen pulls in reader interest like no other clearly.

It will be interesting to see how England's batting line up, sans Samit Patel, fares - I can't say I'm feeling confident!

Encouraging signs from Jos Buttler

Another century, this time in a losing cause for England Lions, for Jos Buttler. That comes after a 56 ball 102 before that too.

Surely IPL monies will be coming his way in 2013....