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[Canners]

Bringing in someone who can't play the short ball against the quickest attack in the world that averages 12, rather than playing someone who's taken their attack apart and averages 49 would obviously make the team stronger.

spot on mate, i feel Johnny Bairstow is in for a baptism of fire...

im really disappointed KP isnt playing, we havent got a hope of winning this test now IMO

[PM7]

Is it me or did Bresnan just sound like a complete fool/tool when he said that one quality player will replace another and all will be fine?

[steyn92]

When he said one quality player replaced with another made me think he's suggesting Bairstow's in the league of KP. Should be good youtube footage in a few years of the hostile short stuff he will inevitably get.

[Tail Ender]

If Bairstow had trouble against Roach's short ball, Morkel and Steyn are going to have some fun with him. Anyone who thinks England are a better team without Pietersen is delusional.

[steiner]

I think the KP lovers are missing the point a little regarding Bairstow. If your asked directly by some reporter you can hardly say 'he probably won't score any runs and is useless vs the short ball.'

 The reason they are bigging him up is because they want him to feel like he belongs there, like they have confidence in him and so that he feels part of the side. It isn't meant as anti-KP it's pro Bairstow ahead of a massive game for him and the team.

This is what's known as team spirit and is precisely the reason why KP will be sat tweeting Piers Morgan on Thursday morning, instead of playing cricket!

[steyn92]

Kp's apologised now anyway. (BBC Sport Homepage)

[Riddy]

absolutle madness.

[cheese]

With a press conference coming up in a short while I have a nagging feeling Pietersen won't play for England again. A mistake in my opinion if it happens but he hasn't helped himself...
Silly K.P 

[Number4]

Gotta love how England self implode.... Bring on the ashes boys hahaha

[steyn92]

Don't worry we'll still beat the Aussies, they're not very good.

[Number4]

Don't worry we'll still beat the Aussies, they're not very good.

That's exactly what we want you to think 

[Alvaro]

'Operation 1989', Number 4?
...

[Number4]

'Operation 1989', Number 4?
...

You just never know... Never under estimate your opponents

[tim2000s]

'Operation 1989', Number 4?
...

Sounds like something out of "The Prisoner"...

[Alvaro]

I'll take your word for it ...