Kerrigan primed for KP, quips Smith

By Graham Hardcastle

Lancashire will be ready and waiting for Kevin Pietersen when he strides to the crease for Surrey in the LV= County Championship match at Guildford. Pietersen is playing only his second four-day match of the summer, which begins tomorrow (July 11), as he prepares for the forthcoming Test series against South Africa, starting at the Oval on July 19.

Pietersen has suffered on numerous occasions against left-arm spinners during his career, with the Red Rose county boasting both Simon Kerrigan and Gary Keedy in their 13-man squad.

“We’ll just get Kerrigan on,” chuckled all-rounder Tom Smith when asked whether he and his team-mates had any special plans for England’s star man. “It will be great to play against Pietersen. He is a world-class performer, and I’m sure he will want to put in a good performance before the Tests.”

Lancashire coach Peter Moores will also come face to face with Pietersen in a match environment for first time since early 2009 when their falling-out cost them both their England jobs, Moores sacked as coach and Pietersen resigning as captain.

“Surrey have got some good players, there's no doubt about that,” said Moores, whose side will also line up against a fit-again Chris Tremlett after back surgery. “They play an exciting brand of cricket. Having KP for that game will strengthen their middle order.

“Tremmers is a fine bowler too. It's great to see him back after injury. Everybody felt for him. It will be a good test for our guys. Both teams are in a bit of a scrap at the moment, and it’s going to be a good game.”

Lancashire, unbeaten in five matches, are currently sixth in the Division One table and only eight points clear of their opponents who have played eight matches - one less than Lancashire.


Date: 10/07/2012 16:23:27 by Graham Hardcastle
In: Today | Surrey | Lancashire |