England vs New Zealand 2nd T20 Preview: All eyes on returning Kevin Pietersen

The brief two-match T20 series between England and New Zealand may have been pointlessly crammed into the cricketing calender. But it kicked off in dazzling fashion, providing wholesome entertainment for a sell-out crowd at the Oval. It had all the ingredients of a perfect T20 contest- a whopping 397 runs that included monstrous sixes, patches of street-smart captaincy, sharp catching, a raucous crowd and even fire-breathers!

Eventually, New Zealand scrambled home in the run-fest as England snatched defeat from the jaws of victory again, just two days after their heart-breaking loss at the hands of India in the Champions Trophy final that was reduced to a T20 sprint due to incessant rain. Quickly following the heels of their ODI series victory, New Zealand seek to add the T20 trophy to their treasure chest when they face the hosts in the second and final T20 international on Thursday at the same venue.

England and New Zealand started their 16 round tussle spread across two continents, way back at the onset of February. This encounter will not only mark the end of a marathon but also the return of England’s prodigal son, Kevin Pietersen, from a lengthy lay-off. With the be all-end all Ashes just a fortnight away, an imperious Pietersen would be mighty crucial to England’s chances.

England enjoyed a jumpstart to their lofty chase of 202 but Ravi Bopara, whose career is all about might-have-beens failed to get his side past the finish line. Understandably, England’s T20 team diverges from the Test blueprint but possess enough arsenal to outgun the Kiwis, who have taken flight in England. The likes of Alex Hales, Michael Lumb, Jos Butler and Luke Wright are proven T20 performers.

England’s green pace bowling though is a major cause for worry. Bar, Irish-born Boyd Rankin, who struck in his first over in England shirt, the bowling looked like a deer caught in the headlights of a turbo-powered vehicle. The Kiwi bowlers, too, were in for some punishment early on but caused England to choke amidst relentless tension.

Though Brendon McCullum hit a breezy 68, Hamish Rutherford’s blitzkrieg reduced the World Number 1 T20 batsman to an ordinary batsman. James Franklin, whose international career continues to suffer stunted growth, might be handed the last of his lifelines. McCullum’s attacking captaincy, quite evidently, was an influential catalyst on Tuesday night.

Another edge-of-the-seat thriller is well and truly on the cards if rain sods off.

Players to watch:

Kevin Pietersen: All eyes including Australia’s will be on the 32-year-old batsman. A batsman of breathtaking chutzpah, KP is among the very few players, who can change the complexion of a game in a matter of few overs. He comes into this duel, his first international tie since March, on the back of an unbeaten 177 against Surrey last weekend.

R Taylor: Much like Pietersen, Taylor brings with him the X-factor that every side craves for. His one-handed Superman like catch to dismiss Jos Butler was as concussive a blow was any. His out of the box hockey swipes can put off any top bowler without an atom of a doubt.