Former Australia batsman Damien Martyn trolled his counterpart Kevin Pietersen on Twitter following the latter’s now-famous rant against the England players for their “shambolic” display in the first couple of sessions on Day 1 of the second Test of the ongoing Ashes 2023 series at Lord’s.
Kevin Pietersen tore into Ben Stokes and his players for their lackluster, dull, inspire-less bowling and fielding display that saw Australia sprint to 190/2 in at Tea at Lord’s. Plus, Kevin Pietersen also was displeased to see the jovial, friendly chats among the England and the Aussie players.
Speaking to Sky Sports at Tea break, Pietersen went after the England players as the hosts fell behind in the game, already trailing 1-0 in the series, after choosing to bowl first.
‘England have been shambolic. Absolutely shambolic,’ he told Sky Sports at the tea interval. You have overhead conditions, you have a wicket that suits your bowlers and you’ve got bowlers running in at 78, 79, 80mph,’ Pietersen told Sky Sports.
‘It’s one thing swanning around and saying “this is a wonderful team to play in, we’re creating the best environment”. But this isn’t Ashes cricket. I played Ashes cricket. I played 30 Tests against Australia.’
‘The Australians were outside to bat before England’s bowlers. England’s bowlers should’ve been on those stairs this morning saying “we want to bowl at Australia, we’re desperate to bowl at them”. These two batters are waiting for England and that shouldn’t be the case.
‘It’s all too easy, all too nice. Are you telling me Ricky Ponting in 2005 is going to be talking to Geraint Jones?
‘You think Michael Vaughan would be standing next to Justin Langer and saying “what a cool day, it’s overcast it’s beautiful, what an environment here at Lord’s, what do you think of the wicket?”
‘Are you joking? Are you absolutely joking? I just hope they’re in that dressing room now and the England coach is giving them the biggest hammering and saying “this is not good enough”.
Damien Martyn has a good laugh at Kevin Pietersen’s rant
Legendary Australian batsman Damien Martyn, who was part of 67 Tests and 208 ODIs for Australia in their golden period in the 90s and 2000s, mocked and trolled Pietersen for his rant. Quoting Pietersen’s interview, Martyn tweeted: “It’s started…” indicating that the English have started to bemoan already with the series not even at its mid-point.
It’s started… #Ashes2023 #cricket #testcricket https://t.co/nXQsKuRr8E
— Damien Martyn🏏 (@damienmartyn) June 28, 2023
Australia ended Day 1 at Lord’s at 339/5 in 83 overs with Steve Smith on 85*.
