flash gunner wrote:marcengels wrote:
Sorry
In one of those moods
Still, I do genuinely think the issue of identification with national teams is a current one.
or maybe it's just me...

I think Pietersens mum is English so he does have a right to play for England i think, as for Keiwetter i think one of his parents is Scottish so not sure how he can compete for England

For me, it's important that the National team reflects the country, it's ways, attitudes, etc...
I know that the players will always say they are commited to playing for England, but this is not the central point for me. What is, is the identification with the country. An example from football I would use is Podolski and Klose of Germany. Both born in Poland but from a young age, settled in Germany. These 2 went through the education system of the country, were exposed to the cultural norms and values, and therefore are for all intents and purposes German.
This is where someone like Pietersen troubles me. He does not have an English upbringing, does not have a cultural awareness that you get by being brought up in the country at some point as you develop in to an adult, and has not gone through any youth cricketing system. Correct me if I'm wrong, but he fell out with SA cricket because of the positive discrimination rules. Therefore, ok, if he qualifies through his mother then fine, but it seems a more convenient option that something that is within him.
Of course, when he's slogging the Aussies all over the pitch next Dec/Jan, then I'll be a happy man

. And I guess at least he has parental qualification. But this residency qualification just dilutes the national team.
