Pietersen rues missed chance

England batsman disappointed despite reaching 5,000 Test runs

Last updated: 21st March 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Pietersen rues missed chance

Pietersen: Was set for big knock

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Kevin Pietersen was left with a feeling of frustration despite reaching the landmark of 5,000 Test runs against Bangladesh on Sunday.

On day two of the second Test in Dhaka, a determined effort from the Bangladesh tail helped the hosts to a total of 419 all out, the third highest in their Test history.

England reached 171-3 in reply, with Pietersen's knock of 45 ensuring he became the quickest batsman in terms of days to join the elite on 5,000 Test runs.

Although the 29-year-old said he was proud of the achievement, he was disappointed that he missed out on the chance to post a big score.

"It's something to be proud of. If you look back 10 years ago and somebody told me I'd get 5,000 Test runs I'd have done anything for that," Pietersen told Sky Sports.

Very cross

"But I've probably chucked away a lot of runs, I probably chucked away a hundred today - I was very, very cross with myself.

"I was particularly frustrated getting out on 45, getting another start and not going on.

He added: "I'd say it's been frustrating, this morning certainly - Bangladesh getting 419 on this wicket was a good start for them."

Bangladesh number 10 Shafiul Islam hit a quick-fire 53 as the tourists were unable to finish the Tigers off.

Shafiul's innings included a number of edges to third man, but Pietersen defended stand-in captain Alastair Cook's field positioning.

"We really tried to dry them up and it's not as if they were playing them down there - they were nicks," he said.

"Chef's young in his captaincy and it was a day for him to learn, and for us all to learn."

Evenly poised

Bangladesh coach Jamie Siddons believes the match is hanging in the balance at the end of day two, with the development of the pitch holding the key for his side.

"We're going okay, it's probably evenly poised at the moment but we'll hopefully be bowling last on that wicket and hopefully it starts to turn - it's still not turning much though," he said.

"It generally spins out of footmarks and there's not too many of those there - we'll have to change our line and drag them out into the footmarks.

"Hopefully it dries a bit more, cracks a little bit more and it might spin a bit more the last couple of days."

Inconsistency has blighted the Tigers' play and Siddons knows Bangladesh cannot afford to repeat their lapses in concentration if they are to get anything from the match.

"We haven't had that yet and that's a part of improving," he continued.

"If we go through a whole Test without doing that we won't be walked over and we might even come out on top or at least draw the game.

"We're playing good cricket and hopefully we can have day three and have a 'win' on that day too."