Transfer talk

Kevin Pietersen, one of the world's great batsmen, is clearly at a crossroads in his career. He cannot make a run, he wants to go home to see his wife after her third place in the televised ice dancing competition and whatever he says brings him a storm of abuse.

Three months ago he was the England captain but before he had the chance to settle down he has to resign. The details remain clouded in mystery. What would KP do if, say, he was a footballer? My guess is that he would ask for a transfer. That is not an option for a cricketer.

Things they are a-changing. If Pietersen can play for England why should he not play for another country? Surely he ought to be available for South Africa, the land of his birth. It requires a little lateral thinking from ICC and all the national boards but it would solve a lot of problems. Graeme Hick, 42, but still as fit as ever, might win a player-coach job with Zimbabwe to their benefit.

The way forward may be through the IPL who could give Pietersen a longer contract as an ambassador for their brand. ICC could make it possible for him to coach and captain one of their lesser teams - Namibia, the UEA, Holland.

Meanwhile he has unfinished business with England who will be able to field both KP and their other in-and-out hero Andrew Flintoff in the fifth and decisive one-day match in St.Lucia on Friday.