Is Batting Today Easier than 20-25 Years Ago? Kevin Pietersen Thinks So!
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Synopsis
In a thought-provoking statement, former England cricketer Kevin Pietersen argues that batting today is easier compared to 20-25 years ago, challenging fans to consider the strength of modern bowlers. His comments come after Joe Root's recent achievement in the Test cricket realm, igniting discussions about batting and bowling standards across generations.
Key Takeaways
- Kevin Pietersen believes modern batting is easier than in the past.
- He challenges fans to compare bowlers from different eras.
- Joe Root's performance has sparked discussions about batting standards.
- Comparing eras reveals the evolution of cricket.
- Root is now the second-highest run-scorer in Test history.
New Delhi, July 26 (NationPress) Former England cricketer Kevin Pietersen has ignited a fresh discussion by claiming that batting is significantly simpler today than it was 20-25 years ago, implying a decline in the caliber of contemporary bowlers.
Pietersen expressed his views on social media shortly after fellow England star Joe Root overtook the legendary Ricky Ponting to secure second place on the all-time Test run-scorers list.
Having played for England in 104 Tests, 136 ODIs, and 37 T20Is between 2005 and 2013, Pietersen stated that batting was "twice as challenging" back in the day.
"Please don’t yell at me but batting these days is considerably easier than 20 or 25 years ago! It was probably twice as difficult back then!" he shared on X.
The former England ace listed numerous bowlers from the past, such as India's Anil Kumble, Harbhajan Singh, and Javagal Srinath, challenging fans to name 10 modern bowlers who measure up to them.
"Waqar, Shoaib, Akram, Mushtaq, Kumble, Srinath, Harbhajan, Donald, Pollock, Klusener, Gough, McGrath, Lee, Warne, Gillespie, Bond, Vettori, Cairns, Vaas, Murali, Curtley, Courtney... and the list goes on! I’ve named 22 above. Can anyone name me 10 modern bowlers who can compare?"
Pietersen, who ranks as England's sixth highest Test run-scorer with 8,181 runs at an average of 47.28, which includes 23 centuries and 35 fifties, suggested that comparing today's batters to former legends does not favor the current sport, as the conditions they faced were vastly different.
Root’s superb innings, which propelled England to 544 for 7 and a substantial 186-run lead over India, demonstrated graceful strokeplay and poise. His century—his 38th in Test cricket—places him joint-fourth on the all-time hundreds list alongside Kumar Sangakkara.
In doing so, Root surpassed Rahul Dravid, Jacques Kallis, and Ricky Ponting, becoming the second-highest run-scorer in Test history, trailing only behind Sachin Tendulkar.
Point of View
While Kevin Pietersen's comments may stir controversy, they highlight an essential conversation about the evolution of cricket. The changing dynamics of the game, including advancements in training and technology, have transformed batting and bowling, necessitating an unbiased evaluation of both eras.
NationPress
26/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Kevin Pietersen say about modern batting?
Kevin Pietersen stated that batting today is significantly easier than it was 20-25 years ago, suggesting that modern bowlers are not as formidable as those from the past.
Who did Joe Root surpass in the Test run-scorers list?
Joe Root surpassed Australian legend Ricky Ponting to become the second-highest run-scorer in Test history.
What was Pietersen's Test career record?
Kevin Pietersen finished as the sixth highest Test run-scorer for England with 8,181 runs, averaging 47.28.
What bowlers did Pietersen reference?
Pietersen named notable bowlers from the past, including Waqar Younis, Shoaib Akhtar, Anil Kumble, and Shane Warne, to emphasize the strength of previous generations.
How many centuries has Joe Root scored in Test cricket?
Joe Root has scored 38 centuries in Test cricket, placing him joint-fourth on the all-time hundreds list.
