Kevin Pietersen Out Of England’s T20 Squad

England who face off against Afghanistan in their first match in the T20 world cup have announced their squad. Kevin Pietersen finds himself out of the plans as the rift between him and the ECB only widens every day. The South Africa born batsman was the man of the series in the last world cup, and made a sparkling hundred for his country, the last time he represented them. he has also been left out of the side for the one day and t20 series against South Africa which are to follow the test matches.

Stuart Broad who is the English T20 captain, is rested for the ODI series against the Proteans. It is pertinent to note that Broad had looked below par during the test matches and was bowling well below his normal pace. However, any reports of an injury was scoffed at by him and the management. Michael Lumb and Luke Wright make a return back for the world cup. Both are now looked at as T20 specialists and have had a successful domestic season. Wright even got a 44 ball hundred in the Big Bash League, the innings becoming his ticket to the IPL as a part of the Pune Warriors side.

The team also features the hero of the last test match Johnny Bairstow, Danny Briggs, Jos Butler, Alrex Hales and Ravi Bopara. Craig Kieswetter who provided some rapid starts at the beginning of the innings in the last edition would be expected to do more of the same this time too. The bowling responsibilities lie with Jade Dernback, Steve Finn, Tim Bresnan, Graeme Swann.