Kolkata, Oct 29 (IANS) After England clinched a six-wicket victory against India in the one-off Twenty20 international match, England’s stand-in Twenty20 skipper Graeme Swann lauded batsman Kevin Pietersen who struck a superb 53 and paved the path for England’s lone victory on the ‘horrible’ Indian tour.
‘It has been a tough month for us and we have played some horrible cricket in the last five games…. Today the seam bowlers were outstanding and Kevin Pietersen’s work with the bat was phenomenal,’ said Swann at the post match award ceremony.
England defeated India by six wickets in the match at Eden Gardens here Saturday.
England chased down the 121-run target in 18.4 overs. Kevin Pietersen top scored with a 39-ball 53.
Swann’s comment’s comes in the light of the controversy regarding his comments in his autobiography where he has said that ‘Pietersen was not a natural leader and as such he should not have captained England’.
Swann also praised Steven Finn’s bowling throughout the tour of India and termed him as the shiniest stuff for the team.
‘He has been the shiniest stuff for us in this whole month. He has always responded whenever we needed a wicket. He has bowled superbly,’ said Swann.
Swann also mentioned that the team needs to improve its game as it has faired poorly in the last five one day internationals against India.
‘We know that need to improve our game as we have played poor cricket in the last five games,’ said Swann.
