Monday, November 30, 2009

Flower urges Pietersen patience

Kevin Pietersen
Pietersen has struggled to dominate with the bat since returning from injury

Andy Flower has warned England must be patient with Kevin Pietersen as the fit-again batsman struggles for form.

Pietersen has amassed just 52 runs from three innings in the current one-day series against South Africa after four months out with an Achilles injury.

England have managed to move 2-1 ahead, however, and have a chance to seal a series win in Durban on Friday.

Flower said: "We should be patient with him. It's not easy just to walk back in and dominate straight away."

Pietermaritzburg-born Pietersen will be back at what was once his home ground this week as England seek to secure what would be a notable limited-overs victory.

The 29-year-old succumbed to the long-standing injury in July and missed a large part of the Ashes series against Australia.

Since making his comeback, Pietersen has been nowhere near his aggressive best, although England team director Flower insists that is not a cause for concern.

"I wouldn't be too worried. I think he's going to take a little while to get back in form," added Flower.

"Being out for four months - when he's used to playing all the time - I think is a challenge he's going to have to overcome.

"He's a high achiever, an outstanding sportsman - and he will be very impatient to get back into his dominant ways again.

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"He will score heavy runs on this tour, and maybe Friday is the day. It could be his day."

Flower also revealed that Jimmy Anderson - England's match winner on Sunday - shrugged off more than a nagging knee injury take a superb 5-23 in Port Elizabeth.

Flower told BBC Sport: "He stubbed a toe in the team room the other day and it's either horribly bruised or broken. I'm not sure which.

"He just clumsily careered into a chair and had to have an anaesthetic on it before he played.

"So he did very well. His knee is improving a lot and he looks to be getting closer to full fitness.

"He's a very skilful bowler. The conditions were slightly helpful but he was accurate and skilful enough to take advantage."

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