KP - would Notts be nuts to keep him?
by Alan Rowley, 18th January 2004

The hero of Trent Bridge has rapidly become almost as disliked as the evil Sheriff of Nottingham as Nottinghamshire fans come to terms with the fact that Kevin Pietersen wants to leave. Pietersen has vowed never to play again for the county that gave him a chance to become a possible England Test player.

Rumours circulating the ground suggest that Somerset are keen to sign the South African, but manager Mick Newell is adamant that the current bad-boy of Notts cricket is staying put. Newell said: "Basically, we don't think Kevin has a legal case. So far, we have not received official notification of him taking us to a tribunal, or have any idea of the grounds on which he might take us to court. But there is no reason why he should leave because he is still under contract."

Speaking in the Nottingham Evening Post, Newell went on: "Notts have tried to be loyal to the player throughout, but we'd be lying if we said we weren't very disappointed with his attitude. Kevin is frustrated with a number of things, including our form last summer, but plenty of good players have to battle away in those conditions. They don't just turn around and suddenly jump ship."

Pietersen (pictured left) certainly seems to have lost the support of true Nottinghamshire fans. On 'the follow on' forum, regular c_havelock said: " I also used to be a big fan of him but no longer. I dont think they should even let him play for the 2's he will only disrupt the team and have a negative influence on the whole club."

Meanwhile, Trent Bridge regular Third Man said: " I don't think it would do the team any good having him around. The other players would not be fully focussed with the distraction of his attitude. I say let him play for the 2nds, or just don't play him at all."

Pietersen's frustrations with his county go back to the middle of last summer. Matters came to a head on the final day of the 2003 season when skipper Jason Gallian was reported to have smashed Pietersen's bat and threw his kit over the balcony. Gallian later apologised to Pietersen and the club, but Pietersen's determination to leave remains strong.

Although Notts fans will find his attitude difficult to come to terms with, Pietersen is convinced he is not to blame for the current unrest. Speaking after a recent stint at the National Academy, Pietersen said: "Ask anybody, I've been fantastic to get on with". Pietersen added: "I think I'm a really grown-up bloke for 23. Coming from South Africa, my mannerisms can be pretty tense. But I've relaxed so much and chilled out since coming to England. I don't have to watch my back. I'm very happy here."

With fellow bad-boy Usman Afzaal already on his way down the M1, could KP but following in his tyre tracks. Will the club and the player be able to iron out their problems? What will dressing room morale by like if Pietersen remained at the Bridge?

Nottinghamshire cricket fans are eagerly awaiting answers to these questions.