No point in dead matches

I understand that television rights have been sold and tickets purchased. But what motivation will anyone have once the series is decided? Imagine if a side is 3-0 up or whatever, then it is a waste of time, writes Kevin Pietersen.

Look, did I not predict that Lord’s would be a thriller? It is like that because it is a good wicket and if the sides are evenly matched in batting then more often than not you end up having a thrilling contest. Now the series is over. I am a great believer that once you decide the series, it should be finished then and there.

I understand that television rights have been sold and tickets purchased. But what motivation will anyone have once the series is decided? Imagine if a side is 3-0 up or whatever, then it is a waste of time.

Rahul-Dravid-talks-with-Kevin-Pietersen-during-day-4-of-the-fourth-Test-match-between-England-and-India-at-The-Oval-Cricket-Ground-in-London

It is pretty difficult for India because once you have lost the series there is nothing much left to play for. The winning side have a nice momentum and the other team doesn’t want to play.

For some in the Indian team it has been a four-month trip since they have been to West Indies and England. It is exactly like what happened with us last winter after the long Ashes series. We had a three-day gap and went straight to the World Cup. We were away from home for five-and-a-half months. It is tough but with short careers on the offing you need to make the most of it. The pitch at Cardiff can tend to be slow. It might take a little spin. But one thing is for sure that it is going to be cold.

TCM