England legends Kevin Pietersen, Eoin Morgan rip into Pat Cummins defensive approach
- Lindokuhle Mbuyisa
- 17 June 2023
Former England stars Kevin Pietersen and Eoin Morgan have criticised Australia skipper Pat Cummins' strategy following England's first innings of the Ashes on Day 1.
Kevin Pietersen and Eoin Morgan were left unimpressed by Australia skipper Pat Cummins on Day 1 of the Ashes.
England managed to put on 393/8 in just 78 overs (5.03 runs an over) before a brave Ben Stokes called his side in before bowling four wicketless overs at the Australians (14/0) at the end of the day.
"Australia have got it wrong. They have set a field as if both players (openers) are batting on a hundred. They set a field for all the nonsense that was being said before the start of the series," said Pietersen.
Cummins had put fielders on the boundary from the second over of the match, which was perhaps prompted by Zak Crawley smacking the first ball of the Test through the covers whilst driving uppishly.
"The wicket has been very docile. It has been brilliant to bat" added Pietersen.
"The field is set for a short format game. I just think, the first morning of an Ashes series, you'd thought Cummins would have said 'Give it a go. hit us for seven fours, a couple of sixes. Then we go to plan B.' But they straightaway moved to plan B," said the bewildered former all-rounder.
Former England skipper Eoin Morgan also weighed in on Cummins' approach saying he was "shocked to see how defensive they have been. Australia have been the first to blink."
The World Test Championship winners Australia will have time on their side for their innings and will surely be looking to bat out on Day 2.
However, Kevin Pietersen was also unhappy with captain Ben Stokes deciding to declare. "We saw Australia bat there now and it didn't miss the middle of the bat. I didn't like the declaration," he stated bluntly.
Australia will resume with David Warner (8*) and Usman Khawaja (4*) at the crease for the start of Day 2.
