"Kieswetter has got a bright future"

"Kieswetter has got a bright future"

Alastair Cook hailed the talents of Craig Kieswetter and Kevin Pietersen despite the pair's wildly differing fortunes.

Kieswetter, making only his third full England appearance, cracked his maiden international century to steer his side to a 45-run whitewash-clinching win over the Tigers.

Kieswetter savours first century

Pietersen enjoyed a less memorable day in the middle, scraping together 22 in 36 balls before falling lbw to Abdur Razzak for the second match in a row.

It was the latest in a series of disappointing knocks in what is rapidly becoming a desperate tour for the 29-year-old batsman.

But Cook, celebrating a 3-0 win in his first series as an ODI captain, was keen to praise both men.

"It was a very impressive knock from Craig, totally different to the way he has been playing," he said of Kieswetter's match-winning display.

"To adapt your game and to play the situation is pretty much exactly what international cricket is all about. He's got a huge future in international cricket."

When asked whether the same was true of Pietersen, the 25-year-old batsman was unequivocal.

"I don't have any worries, he's still our best player," he said.

"Okay, he's had a disappointing series this week but it's been a quick series. He had a slightly dodgy decision in the first game and then a couple of good balls.

"Everyone knows how batting works - sometimes it's just not your day. He's had three average games but you only have have to watch our practice sessions to see how hard he works.

"I wouldn't be surprised if a big score is just around the corner."

With the limited-overs series now done and dusted, attention turns to the Test series which begins in Chittagong on March 12.

But before that comes around, England go into a three-day warm-up against Bangladesh A tomorrow and they are carrying two significant injuries.

Both Graham Onions and Stuart Broad, the first-choice new ball pairing, have been ruled out of the practice match with back complaints.

Scans showed no serious injury to either man, but their availability for the Test series remains in doubt.

An England spokesman said: "Both players have back spasms as a result of bowling but MRI scans have ruled out any new acute injuries.

"Neither will be available for the warm-up game and both will continue to undergo a programme of rehabilitation with a view to being available for the first Test."

Assessing the disruption to his bowling plans, Cook added: "It's good news that the scans show no major structural damage.

"We'll have to see how the spasms settle down - hopefully they'll release and they will be fit.

"Ideally they need some overs under their belt in the three-day game but we can't have that so we're going to play it by ear."

Tim Bresnan, originally picked for the one-day squad only, has been asked to stay on and Middlesex quick Steven Finn will arrive in Bangladesh on Saturday as additional cover.


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