By Dan Rankin
August 16 2012

England will go with James Taylor and Jonny Bairstow in the middle order, as they bid to level the series with South Africa at Lord's. Meanwhile South African skipper Graeme Smith has hit back at claims it was his side that leaked news of Kevin Pietersen's text messages.....

Smith was talking about a column from former England skipper Michael Atherton, which hinted that it was the visitors who had leaked information to the media, surrounding Kevin Pietersen and text messages sent to some players that were non to flattering about Andrew Strauss and coach Andy Flower.

It has led to the most almighty row, which saw Pietersen dropped for this important test match, in which England will lost their number one test status, if they fail to win.

It has also over shadowed Andrew Strauss, and the England captain's 100th test match. It was in 2004, at the very same ground, which saw the Middlesex man make his international debut, and score a century to boot as well.

On the Pietersen row, Smith said "For us to be dragged into this has been disappointing".

"I heard Mike Atherton wrote a column about it saying we did it on purpose. That's the biggest load of rubbish I have heard -- I can't believe it has got to that point.

"I think the notion that we have tried to 'nail' Kevin or put things out in the media is just ridiculous." Smith concluded.

At least now the cricket can do the talking, come on England!!!

England: Strauss (C), Cook, Trott, Bell, Taylor, Bairstow, Prior (W), Broad, Swann, Anderson, Finn

South Africa: Smith (C), Petersen, Amla, Kallis, de Villiers (W), Rudolph, Duminy, Philander, Steyn, M Morkel, Tahir

England v South Africa - Lords - 3rd Test

Discussion started by England Cricket (IP Logged), 16/08/2012 10:59

England Cricket
16/08/2012 10:59

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Birbal
16/08/2012 17:40

Again I ask the question...which the British press is studiously avoiding... who leaked the KP texts to the media????

And those who say the actual text has not been leaked...the ones who leaked the GIST of it...obviously knew the contents...otherwise KP could just deny it..



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2012:08:16:17:42:04 by Birbal.

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barmymike
17/08/2012 21:38

maybe one of the south african players or backroom staff, trying to gain some advantage?

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