ALASTAIR COOK conceded the rapid emergence of Craig Kieswetter would cause England’s selectors some problems in the near future after the wicketkeeper-batsman blazed 143 against a Banglad-esh Cricket Board XI in Fatullah yesterday.
Kieswetter was only parachuted into the one-day squad for Bangladesh at the last minute after advancing his case with some sterling performances for the Lions but he stole the show in the tour opener, scoring six sixes and 14 fours in his side’s 370 for seven in 50 overs.
Paul Collingwood also found top gear as he too peppered the boundary on his way to a 74-ball 109 as England triumphed by 112 runs.
But, while Collingwood’s contributions in limited-overs cricket have become par for the course, newcomer Kieswetter appears to offer something new at the head of the innings. That means space may have to be made for the Johannesburg-born player across the formats.
“We knew he could play like that from the Lions games but to do so on your first official England game, even though it wasn’t a full international, is fantastic,” said Cook, captaining his side in 50-over cricket for the first time.
