A chance for Pietersen to regain the swagger

In Pietersen we have someone whose cricket is almost driven by the internal engine of his ego. No one can match his strut. Underlying it, though, say those who know him best, is an insecurity that ultimately (and uncharacteristically) manifested itself in his soul-bearing interview on Sky last week where he made it plain that his confidence was shot. When the cock of the walk is reduced to that, it really is time to sit up and take notice.
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As with, say, David Gower, we need to recognise and accept him for what he is while not trying to make him what he is not. The break now will do him nothing but good: an opportunity to take stock. He will be stronger for it. If anyone outscores him this coming Ashes series, then my bet is they will have played exceedingly well to do so.

Emerging at first wicket down in Surrey's chase – greeted by wild cheers and whistles – Pietersen got the chance to exact revenge on Worcestershire's bowlers, which he set about with an array of leg-side flicks in a perky 38 before being caught and bowled by his personal bowling nemesis, the left-arm spinner – on this occasion Shaaiq Choudhry, playing in just only his sixth match. England's selectors, having taken a huge gamble in dropping their star batsman, will be hoping for a similar, albeit more concerted response in the coming weeks.