Kevin Pietersen

Without doubt KP is one of the most destructive batsmen going around in cricket these days. He can single handedly take the game away from any opposition if he stays at the crease for 2 or more sessions.

KP is the most experienced English batsmen in the current setup. He has played the most games in Asia against all 4 Test playing Asian team and has a healthy average of almost 41 here, along with 2 centuries  (vs Pak in 2005 and vs Ind in 2008) and a 99 vs Bangladesh in 2010. 

KP is a good player of both spin and fast balls. However, he has struggled against the left arm spinners: dismissed 4 times by the left arm spinner in Asia and thrice in his last 23 innings which were played outside Asia.

KP In Asia
Matches	Runs	HS	Avg	100s
13	942	144	40.95	2

If only Pakistan has Mohammed Asif, they would not worry too much about Pietersen. But Asif is not playing anymore and KP will be very happy about that.

KP has been dismissed by right arm fast bowlers 11 times in his last 22 innings which were all played in England or Australia. However, even in Asia KP has been dismissed by the right arm fast bowlers 9 times. Spinners have got him 12 times in Asia.

KP's Last 22 Innings
Dismissal	Total	%
C. Wk	6	28.57143
C. Slip	4	19.04762
C. Other	4	19.04762
LBW	4	19.04762
Bowled	3	14.28571

KP's Last 22 Innings
Dismissal Bowler Type	Total	C.Wk	C.Slip	C.Other	LBW	Bowled	Stumped
Left Arm Fast/Med Fast	4	2	0	1	1	0	0
Right Arm Fast/Med Fast	11	4	3	1	2	1	0
Right Arm Off Break	3	0	0	2	0	1	0
Left Arm Spin	3	0	1	0	1	1	0

KP's 23 Innings in Asia
Dismissal	Total	%
C. Wk	4	17.3913
C. Slip	2	8.695652
C. Other	10	43.47826
LBW	4	17.3913
Bowled	3	13.04348

KP's 23 Innings in Asia
Dismissal Bowler Type	Total	C.Wk	C.Slip	C.Other	LBW	Bowled
Left Arm Fast/Med Fast	2	0	1	1	0	0
Right Arm Fast/Med Fast	9	4	0	3	0	2
Right Arm Off Break	4	0	0	2	2	0
Right Arm Leg Break	4	0	1	3	0	0
Left Arm Spin	4	0	0	1	2	1

HOW TO GET HIM OUT:
 
Plan A: It will be hard to get KP out unless Pakistan bowl a very disciplined line and length. KP should be tested against the left arm spinner Abdur Rahman and his arm balls.

Plan B: having being dismissed by Right Arm fast bowlers many times, we would hope Gul to bowl in the right channels to KP - Around off stump on a good length. Create variations by moving some balls into KP (to get LBW and Bowled) while some moving away from him (to get a nick).

Plan C:  Allow Ajmal to attack using his variations from one end & Rahman to contain him from the other end. KP is an attacking player and if his runs dry up, there is a high chance he'd commit a false shot and throw away his wicket.  

Posted in: Pakistan vs England