Roberts: England’s loss is Zouks gain

CASTRIES, St. Lucia, CMC-Legendary West Indian fast bowler Sir Andy Roberts believes the St Lucia Zouks stand to gain from Kevin Pietersen’s England omission as he prepares to play in the Caribbean Premier League.

Andy Roberts
Andy Roberts

Pietersen had been hoping for an international recall after last being selected for England during the 2013-14 Ashes Tour in Australia.

However, his prospects of a come-back on the English team suffered a setback when new director of cricket Andrew Strauss told him he would not play for England again this summer.

“Once Kevin Pietersen comes to St Lucia Zouks and prepares to play his part, I don’t think he’ll have a problem with anybody,” said Roberts.

“He didn’t have any problems with any of us last year when he came for two matches. I found he helped and he looked to help some of the youngsters. They had a few conversations with him and some have seen wisdom in what he’s said.”

Pietersen will represent the Zouks for the second time after turning out for St Lucia in the latter stages of the Caribbean’s Twenty20 competition last year.

The third edition of the CPL is set to take place from June 21 to July 26.