KP: Getting drunk is good for team-building
The controversial former England batsman, who qualifies for South Africa again in 2018, has interesting advice ahead of the Ashes.
Never afraid to be provocative: Kevin Pietersen. Photo: Getty Images.
In an interview that will undoubtedly have tongues wagging yet again, the controversial Kevin Pietersen believes it’s not a bad thing for teammates to get drunk together once in awhile.
The 37-year-old former England batsman, who could qualify again for South Africa next year, told ESPNCricinfo his adopted country won’t be competitive in the upcoming Ashes against Australia if the players’ personal freedom is limited.
His call comes despite the drama surrounding suspended all-rounder Ben Stokes, who’s still being investigated for the alleged assault of a man after a late night out.
“When we had the great tour Down Under in 2010-11, we had the most incredible couple of nights out at the start of that tour,” Pietersen revealed to the specialist cricket website.
“It brought the team so much more together.”
England went on to win the Ashes on that tour.
Similar fun was discussed before the 2013 trip Down Under but the team dynamics didn’t allow it.
But Pietersen is still convinced it’s good for team bonding to get a few drinks in.
“I know that it sounds so stupid, but if you go and get hammered as a team on a night out – as senior and junior players – so long as you don’t do something ridiculously stupid,” he said.
“The bonds you can create there are better than any ridiculous sessions you can do in the forest in Germany. Those are the little bits and pieces of cricketing nous and sense of understanding a team that were good on that tour but horrendous in 2013-14.”
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