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'You Won’t Fool Fans': Pietersen Slams England’s ‘Dishonesty’ Over Injury Excuse

Akshita Patel

Kevin Pietersen criticises England for skipping practice [Source: @englandcricket, @cricketcomau/X.com]Kevin Pietersen criticises England for skipping practice [Source: @englandcricket, @cricketcomau/X.com]

Former England cricketer Kevin Pietersen came down hard on the English team and media after their 0-3 ODI series loss to India. He blamed them for not showing respect to Indian conditions and also of deceiving fans by giving excuses of injuries.

During the commentary of the third ODI in Ahmedabad, Ravi Shastri revealed that England players had just one net session throughout the series. 

Pietersen seconded this view by faulting the team for attending golf tournaments at the expense of practicing rather than improving on their spin game.

Kevin Pietersen accuse England of being dishonest

After reports claimed that England players skipped training due to injuries and a tight schedule, Pietersen called out the "dishonesty" in the media.

"Just got sent an article where a leading UK journo has said that Shastri & I got it wrong last night when discussing England not training.  Reason - injuries and quick turnaround between game. Do me a f*****g favour! Stop writing about cricket if you’re going to write such rubbish," Pietersen said.

He also added that injuries are part of the game and did not need to prevent players from batting against net bowlers in order to prepare themselves better for spin. He blamed certain journalists for being guilty of involvement in misleading the people.

"Injuries are part of sport and this schedule is like every bilateral series almost ever played. Injuries are NOT stopping batters from batting against net bowlers and learning the art of playing spin. And that’s where they should have been to IMPROVE! Trust me on this one as it saved my career against spin! It seems the journos are in cahoots with what we’re trying to be brainwashed into believing!  You won’t fool the fan with such!," he added.

While frustrated, Pietersen is optimistic that England will recover in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

Ben Duckett Thinks England's Champions Trophy Comeback Is Within Reach

Even after the appalling 0-3 whitewash that England faced in ODI series versus India, its opening batsman Ben Duckett has expressed belief in his country's chances when it comes to the forthcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

Speaking before the third and final ODI at Ahmedabad, Duckett said that England's first priority is the Champions Trophy and losing to India in this bilateral series is not a major issue.

Duckett continued to reiterate that England's showing in the Champions Trophy will establish their campaign and not a series loss in a bilateral series in India.