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Boiling over - Khan rages at Pietersen's verbals
Last updated at 06:52am on 30.07.07Kevin Pietersen was at the centre of an ugly sledging row yesterday as England battled to save the second npower Test at Trent Bridge.
India tail-ender Zaheer Khan responded to verbals he thought came from Pietersen at slip by striding towards the fielder, waving his bat angrily. As the exchanges continued, the umpires intervened and subsequently spoke to captain Michael Vaughan.
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Tension builds: Khan motions to Pietersen
England face a huge task today and tomorrow to force even a draw after the tourists' first innings finished on 481 for a commanding lead of 283. The home side were 43 without loss at the close.
Match referee Ranjan Madugalle did not take action last night but he may do so at the end of the game.
The first Test at Lord's was tarnished by similar flashpoints but England wicketkeeper Matt Prior defended the team's conduct, saying: "You are going to have banter but no one overstepped the mark. Sometimes things boil over. I'm not saying it should be accepted but it's a tough game and a lot of people are under a lot of pressure."
However, Prior admitted that England have intentionally adopted a policy of what Steve Waugh used to call 'mental disintegration', adding: "If you can do anything to get one up on your opponent, you're going to do that, as long as it's within the spirit of the game.
"It's never nice when you're batting and there are 11 guys around you, giving you a barrage. So it's important that we all hunt together on the pitch, creating an environment that's uncomfortable to bat in. That becomes even more important if it's a flat wicket or the ball's not swinging or there is a big partnership."
Former India skipper Sourav Ganguly, who helped his team take charge of the match with an innings of 79, said: "I haven't heard anything unpleasant or rude. There was a bit of noise at Lord's as well, but that has become part and parcel of modern sport."
England openers Andrew Strauss and Alastair Cook batted out 16 overs yesterday evening and Prior was adamant the game could still be saved. "The wicket has got better to bat on, which is good for us," he said. "It's going to be a tall order to save the game but I don't see why we can't do it. If we can get through the first hour unscathed, that would be massive."
