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Strauss is still worried about what goes on “behind the scenes”
Former England captain Andrew Strauss has pleaded with flamboyant batsman Kevin Pietersen to behave himself this summer and avoid texting opposition players as much as possible.
Strauss’ comments come after Pietersen found himself in hot water last summer after it was revealed that he sent derogatory text messages about Strauss and coach Andy Flower to South African players when they were touring England.
This massive controversy, which dominated the headlines, ended up costing Pietersen his place in the Test side, even after he scored a terrific century against the Proteas during the second Test at Headingley.
Strauss announced his retirement after England lost the series and their number one Test ranking, but continues to insist that the controversy did not play a part in his decision to quit.
The controversy came to an end after Pietersen was ordered to undergo a ‘reintegration’ process by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).
While Strauss has no doubts that Pietersen is one of the most talented batsman in the squad, he also noted that what goes on “behind the scenes” was equally as important, especially since Australia are on a mission to dismiss rumours that they are struggling to deal with the retirements of former captain Ricky Ponting and veteran batsman Michael Hussey.
“Kevin is one of the best players I’ve ever seen,” Strauss said. “But I don’t know what’s going on behind the scenes and I just hope everything in the team environment is fine. If it is fine then he should come back in straight away, no problems.
“But I do think you should never just assume that everything is okay, because in my experience if the team environment is not right it will come out at some point, usually under the greatest pressure. I’m sure everything’s fine, I’ve got no reason to doubt it is, but it’s still a consideration people have got to make.”
Strauss also noted that his successor, Alastair Cook, and coach Flower should not face any problems controlling the team both on and off the field.
“When you’re managing a team the key is to find where those boundaries are, where you’re prepared to let people go, to what extent you’re allowing them to be a free spirit because ultimately it’s all got to be in the greater cause, which is making sure the team wins cricket games,” Strauss said. “That’s a challenge for any leadership team and Andy Flower has been there long enough, Alastair Cook knows his mind pretty well and I’m sure they’ve got those boundaries in place.”