Resistance is futile
Craig Kieswetter has been touted as not only England’s next wicketkeeper-batsman, but also as the new Kevin Pietersen. He qualifies for England in February and is eager to earn the abuse of South Africans everywhere.
But he didn’t perform well at the Champions League Twenty20, and has admitted as much in an interview with Cricinfo:
I put added pressure on myself by wanting to do well on this stage. It has not come off and I have learned lessons about cricket and off the field as well [source]
He also speaks about the advice given to him by Adam Gilchrist whilst in India, including the legendary
just catch it as a keeper and don’t worry about how you look
The reason England are excited about him, aside from his nationality, is his run-making for Somerset. This sets the England selectors dribbling all over their England one-day shirts, especially as he is prone to mistakes behind the stumps, which they consider to be an indication of how seriously he takes his batting.
And Kieswetter is eager to play. Here is the quote, which Cricinfo did not use in full in their profile piece, that shows us just how far he is willing to go:
I always felt English and felt I could live here and hopefully in time my accent will change and be more English.
Visitors to the Zummerzett dressing room during 2009 can testify to this ambition, as Kieswetter’s iPod is set to play the Wurzels on continuous repeat.
Rumours that Steve Davies will be learning Afrikaans with the assistance of Andre Nel next season to improve his chances of an England place have yet to be substantiated.
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