Murali Vijay will be a major threat for England in Test series: Kevin Pietersen

Murali Vijay during the warm-up game against Leicestershire

Former England international Kevin Pietersen has called Indian opener Murali Vijay as a “major threat” ahead of the 5-match Test series between India and England, which starts on July 9.

“He is very correct, an excellent player. I captained him at Delhi and he is another one who always wants to learn. He hits millions of balls and is very like Jonathan Trott in that respect. Murali has so much time at the crease and great patience,” wrote Pietersen in his column for the Telegraph.

Lost home advantage:

The South African-born expects the Test series to be a close affair provided the Indian bowlers deliver. He also echoed his views on the new drainage system set up at the Test venues in the country, which has nullified the advantage that the England seamers used to enjoy.

“Home advantage was lost when new drainage systems were installed at Test venues turning our pitches into sandpits. They are horrendous. They give little to the seamers and when it spins, it does so slowly, negating the threat of the turning ball,” the 34-year old wrote.

On Cheteshwar Pujara, who has notched up scores of 57 and 81 in the warm-up games without being dismissed yet, Pietersen said: “If you give Pujara half a chance to get in and bat for two days, either through either poor bowling or a benign surface, then he will take it and punish you.”

Pietersen also took a customary dig at England skipper Alastair Cook, before adding that the absence of off-spinner Graeme Swann, who retired from all formats of cricket midway through the Ashes series earlier this year, will test his skills as a leader.

“Alastair Cook struggles to captain the side when opposition batters become established because he cannot toss the ball to Swann, who could defend and attack in equal measure,” said Pietersen.

A veteran of 104 Tests, he also stated that Sachin Tendulkar’s achievement can never be matched but will act as an inspiration: “They have learnt at the feet of Tendulkar. They understand that none of them will be Tendulkar.

“Sachin has set the standards so high. His statistics will never be matched but even though the guys will not reach his heights they will still post some incredible numbers,” Pietersen further wrote.

Conversations with Virat Kohli:

Calling Virat Kohli as a “proper superstar”, England’s all-time leading run-scorer across formats revealed that he had warned the Indian Test No. 4 about the threat of swing in England during the 7th edition of the Indian Premier League.

“I said to him when we had dinner in India during the Indian Premier League that this series is going to be his biggest test and he replied: “I know. I am hungry for it.” I warned him that if the ball swings in England that will be his greatest challenge.

Give him the chance to bat for a day and he will take the game away from you,” added Pietersen.

“He probably advertises about 20 different brands and earns millions but he is so humble with it. He is one of those guys who when he is on the field, other players and some viewers will think he is an arrogant idiot. But he is a guy who plays to win. He loves cricket and he fights hard.

“He has a great temperament. He is a showman, he is confident, and he backs his ability. He has that killer instinct and is ruthless when he plays,” Pietersen lavished praises on the 25-year-old, who has 6 Test hundreds in his career.

Pietersen concluded by calling the 29-year-old Yorkshire pacer Liam Plunkett, who picked up 11 wickets in 2 Tests against Sri Lanka on his comeback to international arena, as the X-factor.

He said: “Plunkett’s pace can be the difference if utilised properly. He needs to be managed the same way Michael Clarke used Mitchell Johnson last winter. Bowl him in short bursts. You cannot bowl him for eight or nine over spells.”