A sportsman can be in prime physical condition, but if he is at all mentally or emotionally unbalanced, it will be very difficult to achieve consistent top performance. Inner calm and balance are critical.
To produce peak performance, London County’s Director of Mentoring Dr Ken Jennings’ (who has a PhD in Performance Psychology) once shared with me that he believes all three energies (physical, mental and emotional) need to be aligned like a laser beam. When this happens, an ‘athlete’ is able to excel.
Kevin Pietersen is a highly talented batsman with a Test average which has been in excess of 50 for the majority of his career until now. He is in turmoil as a player and seemingly facing the biggest challenge of his cricketing career with an Ashes Tour to Australia on the horizon which, if he is selected, may define him as a player and man.
Yesterday, he was left out of an England squad for the first time since making his debut in 2005. After his first ball duck in last week’s 4th Test at Lord’s, Pietersen faces a very difficult situation trying to regain his form as a loan player for Surrey, (after the early termination of his Hampshire agreement recently), before England select their squad for the Ashes Tour to Australia.
Maybe another possible solution would have been to send him on holiday for seven weeks, to re-energise and re-discover his mojo, far away from the intensity of sporting competition. Taking oneself out of context, and out of the culture one normally inhabits, can be the perfect tonic to breaking unhealthy, unsuccesssful patterns in one’s life.
With an uncertain future, and possibly an Ashes Tour place on the line, Pietersen will be really challenged to re-discover his form. Against the backdrop of a poor season for England, and a difficult eighteen months, England’s best batsman has been through a confusing time, at best, and an emotional roller coaster at worst.
For a batsman to succeed at the highest level he needs to have a good defence. To succeed consistently, he has to have a ‘world-class’ defence. Having an array of quality attacking strokes is irrelevant if a batsman keeps geting ‘knocked over’ by quality bowlers early in his innings. At present, Kevin Pietersen’s defence is ordinary.
When a batsman’s brain is scrambled, batting becomes a hazardous experience. Pietersen’s poor shot first ball which brought about his downfall at Lord’s against Pakistan in the first innings of the 4th Test last week suggested a lack of the mental clarity necessary to succeed in Test Cricket. In the past, he has had his travails against the most innoccuous of left arm spinners, but to be dismissed in such careless fashion by playing a very loose stroke first ball, when his team were in trouble, told the story of a player completely out of sorts.
One of the challenges for top sportspeople is not to define who they are, based on their sporting performance. It is important to view performance as an aspect of one’s life, and not in totality. The greater challenge is to develop, and then access other parts to oneself, and live a life which enables the individual to be more balanced in the face of poor performance, or indeed high achievement. This is even more so for international performers, where the reporting of their deeds gets magnified one way or the other. For emotionally immature people, the possibility of seeing oneself as a hero, or a villain, based on the media’s representation of a match is easily increased.
Two years ago, Pietersen was on top of the world. Despite no experience of leadership, he was appointed England Captain, following Michael Vaughan’s tearful resignation, as part of the ECB’s desire to unify all formats of the game under one person’s captaincy. It was a spectacular gamble, but the South African raised batsman, made a century at The Oval against the country of his birth at the first attempt, and won his first Test as Captain in the process. As a Captain, Pietersen was effusive in his love for his players, revealing a style which suggested a belief on his part, that the best way to manage people is to indulge them, shower them with praise and, in the modern vernacular, ‘big them up’.
Four months after leading England to a victory over South Africa at The Oval, he fell foul of his employers, and was removed as Captain after a public falling-out with his then Coach Peter Moores, who was also removed of his duties. At the core of their relationship difficulties was Pietersen’s desire to be in charge, and surround himself with people he believed in, to support his desire to make England a ‘world-class’ team.
At the time, it appeared that amongst the England team there was some considerable resistance to Peter Moores’ coaching style from senior players, and Pietersen felt he had the support of the group in challenging Moores’ authority, and his suitability to remain in the post. Moores is a good man and a conscientious coach, but the timing of his appointment reduced his chances of success due to the decline of senior players and a strong link between the senior players and the former Coach Duncan Fletcher. It meant that Moores was unable to build rapport with some of his leading players who didn’t enjoy his methods and work ethic, or trust his ability to iron out their technical problems in the way that Fletcher had previously. It was sad to see a good man become the victim of a political nightmare for all concerned.
As Captain, Pietersen was misguided in his ability to influence the establishment of English Cricket, and misplaced in his confidence with regard to his hold over the job. For the people who opposed his original appointment, his behaviour gave them the chance to express why they were initially against his earlier promotion. His decision to be on holiday in South Africa, while the leadership shenanigans were played out at Lord’s in his absence, were interpreted as complacent, or arrogant in the extreme, by his detractors. The whole episode was damaging for English Cricket’s reputation, especially coming so soon after the Stanford Twenty20 debacle two months earlier.
Unfortunately for Pietersen, he lost his position, and Andrew Strauss inherited the very situation the deposed Captain was campaigning for, and indeed craved: greater authority, and no Peter Moores as Coach.
Awkwardly for Pietersen, he had to return to the ranks and play alongside players who may inadvertently have contributed to his downfall. By not backing his mutiny as Captain despite their complaints whilst on Tour in India, he was compromised, and to have to play under Andy Flower’s caretaker management following a recommendation that Flower be removed along with Moores after the India Tour concluded at Christmas. The relationship with Flower subsequently improved largely because of the Caretaker Coach’s ability to build quality relationships, irrespective of what had gone before, and the deposed Captain’s commitment to being a model professional whilst on tour.
Fortunately, from the perspective of the health of his own bank balance, his life received a welcome bonus early on in that West Indies Tour, when it was confirmed that both he and Andrew Flintoff had received record bids at the IPL (Indian Premier League) auction to the tune of $1.5 Million. The fact that these two high profile cricketers hadn’t been separated in their value helped maintain an all-important team unity in the Caribbean, particularly between two people who were perceived to be competing (consciously or otherwise) for the spotlight. However, the IPL became a big distraction and the contractual battle between ECB and its’ star players affected the negotiations between the two parties with regard to the terms of ECB Central contracts, which remained unsigned for what seemed like an eternity. The IPL offered Pietersen the status he craved: an international superstar, able to sub-contract himself to who he wanted to, on his terms.
Unfortunately for him, playing for England under Andy Flower and Andrew Strauss required a different level of commitment where the importance and needs of the team were the priority over the special treatment of any individual. A culture clash appeared to be on the horizon.
Flintoff had achieved legendary status after the Ashes 2005, while Pietersen also announced himself as a potentially great player the same year. However, his South African upbringing, brash nature, and hyperbolic tendencies, didn’t endear him to the public in the way that ‘Fred’, the likeable lad from Preston, had been taken into the hearts of the nation. In my opinion, this is where the nub of Pietersen’s difficulties may lie. Like most humans he has a wish to be accepted and liked, and when it doesn’t materialize as hoped for, I imagine he finds it difficult to comprehend, especially when ‘Fred’s’ popularity was going through the roof, and without any particular extra effort by ‘Fred’. It is interesting when people try too hard to be liked, how it often creates the opposite effect in response.
There is no rhyme or reason why people connect with others and why some are repulsed by others. Sport’s narrative is littered with players who were respected but not loved. Steve Davis was six times World Snooker Champion but Alex ‘Hurricane’ Higgins (who only won it twice) was known as ‘The People’s Champion’. I always felt that English Cricket supporters ‘beliked’ Graham Gooch, whilst David Gower was ’beloved’. Both batsmen were superb players, but the audience seemed to have a deeper feeling for Gower. Emotional connections are impossible to describe in words as they go beyond logic, but one can sense (and ‘feel’ ) them, in the way people respond to each other. Maybe it is the ‘human touch’ which people respond to? When people are seemingly flawed, others may feel something of the kindred spirit in each other? Or, maybe it is simpler? In the case of former England fast bowler Devon Malcolm, the fact that he always tried his heart out, and played with a big smile on his face, aswell as being very respectful of the crowd and their applause by doffing his cap at opportune times, is why crowds love certain players?
Kevin Pietersen is ‘box-office’ when he plays. On form, he is devastating and daring. Off-form he becomes ‘the story’ too. This is an unfortunate aspect of being a star player. For the team’s management, this can be a difficult phenomenon to mange when the media continually focus on one player. Throughout Sir Ian Botham’s remarkable career, he experienced something similar, to the extent where it was almost newsworthy if he blew his nose, let alone defeated Australia with bat and ball in consecutive Ashes Tests. Such factors can dominate the team ’space’ and require careful management. Thankfully, in Andy Flower, the England team has a calm, wise presence at the helm with a broad perspective and a steely determination, which ensures he navigates the ship towards the best direction for English Cricket’s present and future well-being.
For a man who displays a considerable exterior confidence, and has many of the trappings of a modern professional’s success, I wonder how established Kevin Pietersen’s inner confidence really is? Is his considerable straight-backed strut a mere facade to protect a man uncertain of who he really is?
The trappings of success can only go so far in fulfilling a person’s life.
There is an argument that says those seeking external recognition to feed their inner confidence, are fighting a losing battle as such possibilities are beyond one’s control. However, a person who builds themselves from ‘the inside out’, and focuses on the development of character rather than reputation (an opinion others have of you) or image, is more likely to enjoy a balanced and meaningful life in my opinion.
The nature of top sport and the performance industry is that it offers a spotlight for people to feed their egos. Some are intimidated by the possible over-exposure while others find the experience to be the elixir of life. Such people can struggle to break this tie, and get away from the spotlight as it becomes like an addict’s fix which needs to be fed but ultimately contributes to their eventual downfall.
Kevin Pietersen is a top professional. He trains hard, he practices with intensity and purpose, and as far as I know, he leads a sensible life as a committed husband and family man. However, in the period since he has been removed from being England Captain he has had to deal with significant emotional turmoil, which I believe has taken its cummulative toll on him.
The contradiction of Pietersen is that he seems to position himself as a man apart, ‘a gun for hire’ if you like. He appears to want inclusion (both within English society, and in the teams he represents) but he has often been guilty of saying and doing things which create exclusion. I imagine he feels very confused right now, and may be contemplating all sorts of scenarios in his own mind as to how the future may play itself out.
He is a man from a relatively modest background in Natal but with a big ambition which doesn’t always sit easily within the class structure of the English society.On the other hand, his noteworthy ambition seeems to fit in perfectly with much of modern society, where ostentation and celebrity profile seem to be celebrated by adoring ‘fans’ who obviously have a void in their own lives that they are transfixed by what is happening in the lives of people with profile. Maybe Pietersen has aspired to be in a world which he is now realising doesn’t actually exist. What is fame exactly? Being recognised in public can have many downfalls, especially once an individual gets married and becomes a family man like Pietersen recently has. Intrusion can be an unwelcome visitor on a day off when there is a need for privacy and quiet reflection.
Sometimes, it appears like he is trying too hard to be liked, which can lend itself to rejection by others. He is respected as a player and while he is performing at his best, he is tolerated by those who don’t think this South African should be playing for England, let alone been appointed as Captain. He strives for greatness but doesn’t appear to understand that greatness is something others bestow upon you, and that the true greats never strived for it – their greatness emerged naturally.
He seems to want to be loved by others, especially by the rich and famous, which in turn may create rejection from some of his contemporaries. Developing genuine friends in a team, or in sport generally, is an important aspect of enjoying a meaningful career.
His former team-mate and fellow celebrity Andrew ‘Freddie’ Flintoff, has now departed the 22 yards of the England Cricket scene to enjoy his love of family, and a life of celebrity endorsements and personal appearances. The stage has been clear for Pietersen to dominate, but in the process, he has under-performed beyond all previous recognition, and now finds himself out of the team. Such is the paradox of life.
When one’s potential is at its greatest, we are short of experience and a history of top performances to back up others predictions. Yet, when we gain the experience and produce top results, our potential decreases because there is less time to achieve. Pietersen’s potential as one of the greats of the game was never greater than after 2005 when he had scored three consecutive centuries on his ODI debut Tour in his homeland of South Africa and after he made his breathtaking 158 to help save the match at The Oval against Australia and win the Ashes back after 18 barren years for English Cricket.
Last summer he was vilified for his ‘soft’ dismissal at Cardiff in the 1st Ashes Test when appearing well set. In the second innings he left a straight ball and was bowled, leaving England deep in the mire and facing a sixth successive Ashes defeat until Paul Collingwood, James Anderson and Monty Panesar performed their heroics to save the day. The media and public reaction to his disappointing first innings dismissal appeared to shock him at the time. It was a sign that he was easily cast as a villain.
After the 2nd Test at Lord’s KP limped out of the series to go under the knife for an Achilles operation. With Flintoff announcing his end of series Test retirement before the same game, it was perceived that the two were competing for the same headlines. However, Flintoff’s heroic bowling performance which secured the first England Ashes victory at Lord’s for seventy five years ensured that ‘Fred’ remained the darling of the masses.
Emotionally, Pietersen must have been shattered by his injury but it gave him time off to reflect on a tumultuous few months. His wife, Jessica, announced she was pregnant and a life of family bliss appeared on the horizon. However, anyone who knows anything about professional sport will confirm that living with an injured sportsman, or worst still, being an injured sportsman is very difficult. The fact that England went on to win the Ashes without Pietersen in the team was a victory for the unity and team spirit engendered under the impressive leadership of Andy Flower and Andrew Strauss.
However, it is only human nature for Pietersen to have possibly experienced some pangs of discomfort that the team had enjoyed success without his contribution. No player is ever indispensable, but ‘star’ players can develop a tendency to believe that they are, especially when their name has been an ever-present on the team sheet for a number of years. The quote ‘The King is dead, long live the King’, springs to mind.
A poor return from the South Africa tour last winter was followed with a couple of good performances in Bangladesh and a player of the series award at the ICC World T20 event in West Indies. To play a key role in England’s first ever ICC one day success and become a father simultaneously, capped a special few days for England’s talismanic batsman. However, on his return to UK for the English season, it has been a miserable experience for him culminating in feeling the selectors’ axe yesterday. If ever there was a signal as to who holds the balance of power in the relationship between players and management in this current England team, Andy Flower and his fellow selectors have clearly left no one in any doubt that playing for England is a privilege within their gift and not the other way round.
From a form perspective, his returns have not been representative of his quality. His last ODI century was in November 2008, and his average as quoted in ‘The Times’ today since that century is 17.81. He has made only 112 runs in six ODI’s this summer. His last Test Match century was in March 2009, and he has only made six 50’s in 16 Test Matches since.
Whether or not Pietersen will be able to find some semblance of ‘nick’ in ten days of Cricket, encompassing some CB40 one day Cricket and a couple of County Championship Division Two fixtures remains to be seen. What I would say, is that the opportunity to spend time in ‘the middle’ for Surrey and bat for hours in second or third gear, as opposed to needing to be batting in top gear for a short period of time in One Day Internationals, or Twenty20 games, may be the best option to rediscover his ability to make centuries in Test Cricket. Time out of the international spotlight may also be part of the rehabilitation process.
The thought processes for playing longer innings need to be trained and maintained by spending time in ‘the middle’ in competitive matchplay situations, rather than in simulated practice sessions at one’s own convenience. Getting used to the rhythm of a match and dropping down a level to re-establish one’s credentials can be an extremely beneficial experience in the long run.
By his own admission, (in a Sky Sports interview with Michael Atherton before the Lord’s Test) Pietersen revealed some of his inner turmoil which is very rare and many would say unwise for a sportsman to do when he said:
‘‘I try and drag my confidence levels up. They have been absolutely hammered in the last eighteen months. I am nowhere near the person I used to be.’’
The road to the top is tough, but the descent can be a bruising experience. The road back up to the top is considered to be the toughest of journeys. Scaling the peak initially is fuelled by ambition and naiievety, while the road back is filled with potholes and banana skins one never saw on the way up, first time round. I wish him well and believe that he has the talent and hope he has the desire to overcome all the setbacks he will encounter as he sets off in pursuit of his lost status.
Despite his propensity for alienating himself from others because of his actions, such as his profanity and indiscretion on Twitter announcing his demotion from the England team yesterday, I feel for the man. In the space of two years he has gone from having the world at his feet, to feeling the sands move beneath his feet.
The current situation may be a mere blip in a career with many more peaks to come. Or, this may be the beginning of the end of what promised to be a long and distinguished career which suggested the name of Kevin Pietersen would reside alongside the names of Hammond, Hutton, and Compton, as a batting great of English Cricket.
Personally, I hope the best of Kevin Pietersen is still ahead of us, and that the brash young man I first played against (and liked for his straight-forwardness) for Leicestershire against Nottinghamshire in 2000, can mature into a player of the highest order, and a man whose quality of personal example inspires everyone.
If he is looking for a role model in modern sport, he should look no further than the greatest tennis player Roger Federer, or the grace of the golfer Tom Watson, if he wishes to be held in the highest esteem. Both men exude quality on and off the field of play, and are an inspiration to all who follow them.

