McCullum backs Pietersen to help England after collapse on ‘trampoline’ pitch

England dismissed for just 131 in opening ODI in Perth McCullum: ‘KP’s message will be measured but firm’ Brendon McCullum has backed Kevin Pietersen to help educate England’s batting lineup before the “­specialist mentor” he hired in the summer leaves the tour of Australia after Sunday’s second one-day ­international in Adelaide. The collapse to 131 all out for a seven-wicket defeat in Perth on Friday naturally brought back memories of the first Ashes Test 12 months ago. But more relevant is what it means should a similarly fast, bouncy surface – such as at the Wanderers in Johannesburg – be encountered during next year’s 50-over World Cup in southern Africa. Continue reading...