Kevin Pietersen: New Zealand best team in the world, favourites for World Cup
Former England batsman Kevin Pietersen feels that New Zealand are the best cricket team in the world right now and expects them to do well at the World Cup, provided their opening bowlers Trent Boult and Tim Southee remain fit.
"I think New Zealand are the best team in the world at the moment, they're playing brilliant cricket. As long as (Trent) Boult and (Tim) Southee stay fit I think New Zealand are a fantastic cricket team," the 34-year-old said.
The Black Caps are currently playing a limited-overs series in the UAE against Pakistan and will play the first game of the 2015 World Cup versus Sri Lanka at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch on February 14.
Pietersen wants Cook to quit ODIs
Talking about England’s chances at the mega event, Pietersen said that everybody in the world knows that Alastair Cook shouldn't be a part of the 50-over side and said that he won't be amused if Cook’s own teammates feel that way about him.
“Everybody in the world of cricket knows Alastair Cook shouldn't be playing for England in one-day cricket. Ian Botham [has said it]. Nick Knight, who sits on the fence with everything, even he's come out and said he shouldn't be playing. And I wouldn't be surprised if his own teammates already think it," the former right-hander told Fairfax Media.
He added that he would love to see England win games in coloured clothing and if Cook wasn't part of the team, they would certainly do that.
"I love to see England winning and England would win more games than they wouldn't if Cook didn't play one-day cricket," Pietersen said at the ceremony, where he was unveiled as the new recruit for the Big Bash League team Melbourne Stars.
England cricketers should play in the IPL
It is a well-known fact that the Delhi Daredevils skipper has constantly urged English cricketers to play in the Indian Premier League (IPL). He once again reiterated that point, saying that if they want to improve their limited-overs performances, the board should allow their players to take part in the IPL.
"One of the reasons the ECB don't like me is for the past seven years I've been telling them players, if they want to get better in the shorter form have to play IPL cricket. It's shocking to see what's happening there – but it is what it is. It's all political.
"What pisses me off is they think that I'm bitter, when actually I'm not bitter. I love all those guys in the side, but we can all see that there's an issue. Cook shouldn't be captaining the one-day side. Morgan should have the captaincy. Guys like (Alex) Hales, Jason Roy, Moeen Ali should be up the top whacking the ball [and then] Ravi Bopara, Jos Buttler." Pietersen said.
England are currently playing a seven-match ODI series in Sri Lanka.