England coach Flower warns Pietersen to fulfil potential

By PETER HAYTER
Updated: 18:08 EST, 7 May 2011

England coach Andy Flower has challenged Kevin Pietersen to live up to his potential and find the form that could make him ‘the leading batsman not only in the English side, but in world cricket’.

Pietersen was interviewed for the job of one-day international skipper only to lose out
last week to Alastair Cook for the job he once held in part in 2008-09.

Rare sight: Pietersen toasts a batting performance that has recently been missing

But while Flower would have had one ear on Pietersen’s responses to a series of theoretical captaincy scenarios, one suspects what he was really listening for was
evidence that, despite suggestions to the contrary, Pietersen’s commitment and focus
to the cause remain all they should be.

He is expected to be back in action this week — for Surrey against Cambridge
University — for the first time since he left England’s World Cup campaign prematurely.

Warning signs: Flower (right) has issued Pietersen (left) with a rallying cry over his batting performances

Flower said: ‘We are very keen for Kevin to become the leading batsman, not only in
the English side but in world cricket.

‘He could be one of the best, if not the best batsman in the world. We want him to regain that status. I want him to fulfil his potential.’