Kevin Pietersen has rejected the idea that he will struggle against the left-arm spinner Xavier Doherty in the upcoming Ashes series. The England batsman has often struggled in the past against left-arm spin bowling but he claims to have fixed any problems, telling BBC Sport “I don't have technical glitches, I've sorted them.” That’s that sorted then KP.
England and the cricket betting pundits backing the tourists will be hoping KP is right about sorting out his glitches, against the relatively modest threat from Bangladesh’s left-arm spinners, KP found his wicket consistently picked up by the spin attack. During his brief spell in South Africa before the squad flew out Down Under, Pietersen worked with his childhood coach Graeme Ford, focusing on adjusting the batsman’s failing technique, particularly against spin.
While Doherty does have the left arm spin going for him, his first class record is far from intimidating. The 27 year old has only taken three five wicket hauls in his first class career at an fairly poor average of 49. He did take 2-45 for Tasmania against New South Wales in the recent Sheffield Shield match and impressed on his international one-day debut against Sri Lanka, taking two wickets in his first over.
The inexperienced bowler will be under pressure from those analysing the cricket odds straight away after all the hooplah surrounding his inclusion at the expense of Nathan Hauritz. The best thing he can do is take wickets and none will be more treasured than that of Pietersen’s. If Doherty can unsettle England’s star batsman earlier in their duel, then it could set the tone for the rest of the series.
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