Pietersen also wants to see Jonny Bairstow open the innings in T20Is.
Former England cricketer Kevin Pietersen has slammed England for wasting all-rounder Ben Stokes as a no. 6 batsman and a part-time bowler.
By the time Ben Stokes comes out to bat at No. 6, there are not too many deliveries left for him to score runs off. A batsman of a high caliber needs to bat higher in the line-up to be able to have enough scoring opportunities in T20 cricket.
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Pietersen believes that Stokes the batsman is completely wasted by England if he comes in to bat 4 down. Also, he wants Jonny Bairstow to open the innings in T20 cricket and not bat down the order. The 40-year-old wants Stokes to bat at No. 4 if he doesn't open.
Kevin Pietersen tweeted, "Ben Stokes is completely wasted at 6 as a batter and bowling part time. Bairstow in T20’s is an opener. If he doesn’t open, Stokes bats 4!"
Ben Stokes is completely wasted at 6 as a batter and bowling part time.
— Kevin Pietersen???? (@KP24) March 20, 2021
Bairstow in T20’s is an opener.
If he doesn’t open, Stokes bats 4!
These might be two of the reasons that cost England the recently-concluded five-match T20I series against India after being 2-1 up after three games.