The Cricket Thread 2016

[peter w]

Surrey 471/9 Pietersen 275*

9th wicket partnership of 53 in 8.3 overs. Pietersen has made 52 of them.

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487/9 Pietersen 291*

partnership 69 in 10.9 overs. pietersen has made 68 of them.

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Surrey 500/9 119 overs

Pietersen 304* brought up the 300 with two sixes

9th wicket partnership of 82 in 12.5 overs. Pietersen making 81 of them.

304 runs off 349 balls 34 4's and 11 6's S/R of 87.10. Has scored almost 200 between lunch and now. 6 overs of the day left. This is Pietersen's highest ever first first class score.

[PaulWinch again]

That is a massive knock from KP.

[peter w]

Massive knock on the door as well. "Score some runs" they said. Well, okay.

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2 more sixes of this over - Surrey 517/9

Pietersen 317 of 357.

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Partnership is now 102 from 15.5 overs. Pietersen has contributed 95 of those runs.

[paul_e]

KP on  a charge is one of the best sights in modern cricket, regardless of anything else, when he's playing well it's clear that he really is a special talent.

[peter w]

End of the days play at The Oval

Surrey 528/9 of 126 overs

Kevin Pietersen 326 off 373 balls   34 4's 14 6's S/R of 87.39   

9th wicket partnership of 110 in 20 overs of which Pietersen scored 103.

truly awesome stuff.

Probably England's best batsman of all time. Arguably anyway.

[peter w]

Alec Stewart on twitter:

Have witnessed one of the most incredible innings ever seen from @KP24 today. Those who saw it were privileged to something v special. #326*

[peter w]

Ahead of tomorrow's conference I bet Andrew Strauss is using 4 letter expletives when thinking of Pietersen right now.

[PaulWinch again]

Thing is how can a player that can do that not be under consideration for England? That is world class and England would be petty to ignore that.

[Chris Jameson]

That's one innings against 'muppet bowlers'.

I'll admit I can't stand Pietersen and find the entire saga tedious so nothing he does will convince me he should ever play for England again!

[tomd2103]

Thing is how can a player that can do that not be under consideration for England? That is world class and England would be petty to ignore that.

Just been announced that Strauss and Harrison are to meet with him.  Guess it will either be a definitive no or confirmation that he will be considered again.

Listening to Darren Gough talking about the situation on the way home, one thing did cross my mind.  I think our batting line up is in danger of being bullied by the Aussies later in the summer, but the presence of Pietersen might just prevent that. 

[PaulWinch again]

I'm saying he should be considered, not just cast aside. All this nonsense about dressing room harmony has shown no up turn in form. We should be selecting our best players, if Pietersen is one of those he should play, it's up to the coach and captain to manage varying personalities not just pick people they like.