Ex-England Spinner Reveals He Disliked Kevin Pietersen But Wanted Him In Team

Kevin Pietersen was a controversial figure during his playing days. He would often spark spat with the opponents. But on the contrary, he was one of the finest batsmen on the international circuit and scored runs in abundance for the national team. Kevin Pietersen could not be overlooked by his management or teammates due to his contribution for the side even if they disliked them.

In fact, he was on the premier players of the England side which achieved the top rank and beat Australia in the Ashes both home and away.

“We are a team that got to number one in the world, and in a team, there are always going to be individuals. Ninety-nine per cent of that side were all in it for the team,” Graeme Swann said in an interview.

Kevin Pietersen did not like establishment and rules much: Graeme Swann

Kevin Pietersen stint as a captain did not last long after he had a fall-out with the then England coach Peter Moores. Former England spinner Graeme Swann, who was also a key in the side back then, said Pietersen did not like establishment and rules that much. Swann also said they were very similar and they openly disliked each other.

“With Kevin Pietersen, we had a situation where he had been captain before and didn’t much like establishment and rules,” said Swann.

“We were actually very similar in that way, and we actually got on me and KP professionally better than most people because we very honest with but openly disliked each other. But wanted each other in the team.”

“I wanted KP in the team because he was scoring a lot of runs and playing really well, and simply he was one of the best batsmen in the world.”

Pietesen played 104 Tests, 136 ODIs for England, besides representing them in 37 T20Is. He maintained a Test average of 47.28 and played a pivotal role for the English side during his career.