Champions Trophy: England regroup in UAE after tough India tour
Dubai: England’s Champions Trophy preparations have been hit with sharp criticism, with Kevin Pietersen left “flabbergasted” by their lack of training..As the tournament countdown accelerates, England have touched down in Abu Dhabi, seeking recovery after a brutal tour of India. However, rather than excitement over their title ambitions, questions are swirling about their readiness — especially after Ravi Shastri’s on-air claim that the team had just one net session in weeks..Pietersen, never one to hold back, ripped into the squad’s approach, while Jos Buttler scrambled to defend his team’s commitment. With England set to travel to Pakistan next, the controversy threatens to overshadow their preparations..England arrive in Abu Dhabi for recovery period.England, still searching for form after a humbling tour of India, arrived in Abu Dhabi on Thursday from Ahmedabad. With just a few days to regroup before heading to Pakistan, the squad is focused on rest and recovery. Having been on the road since late October — playing across formats against Pakistan, the West Indies, New Zealand, and India — England are feeling the toll of non-stop cricket..Meanwhile, India, who will play their matches in Dubai, are set to arrive on February 15, while Bangladesh is expected on Friday..Pietersen and Shastri criticise England’s approach.England, placed in Group B alongside Australia, Afghanistan, and South Africa, had a forgettable time in India. They were completely outplayed in both the T20I and ODI series, managing just one win. Their struggles prompted severe criticism, with Shastri questioning their training habits during the final match in Ahmedabad..“The England players had just one net session during their entire tour,” Shastri remarked, setting off a debate in the commentary box..Pietersen, stunned by the revelation, wasted no time in calling out the squad. Speaking on Disney+ Hotstar after England’s latest defeat, he vented his frustration..“I was absolutely flabbergasted when I realised England players only took to the nets once,” he said..“Ravi Shastri and I were talking upstairs that these guys would’ve at least practised in the last week or so. They’ve had one practice session, the day before the Nagpur game, and haven’t practised since. There’s only one batter — Joe Root — who had a net. I’m sorry, but you can’t come into the subcontinent, keep making the same mistakes, and then decide I’m not going to practice.”.“There’s not a single sportsman, man or woman, who goes into a series and decides, ‘I’m going to get better without practice.’ I’m sorry, I’m just so, so sorry. I was flabbergasted when I heard that England have not practised since the first game. Absolutely flabbergasted.”.After the match, Pietersen also took to X to double down on his thoughts..Buttler responds: We are not lazy.Jos Buttler was quick to push back against the claims, defending his team’s efforts..“That’s not quite true. I think we’ve had a reasonably long tour, a few long travel days, and there have been a couple of times we’ve not trained, but we’ve certainly done plenty of training throughout the tour,” he said..“We obviously try to create a really good environment, but don’t mistake that for a lazy environment or a lack of effort. The guys are desperate to perform, do well, and improve.”.Despite England’s struggles, Buttler acknowledged India’s dominance, admitting that his side had simply been outplayed..“Similar to the whole tour, we threatened in stages but were outplayed by a fantastic team. Our approach is the right one; it’s just that we haven’t executed well. We need to find ways to play that style better. We got off to a great start again, but it’s a familiar story for us. We need to find a way to extend that and bat for longer. We were up against a really good side that keeps challenging us.”.Pietersen’s final word — and a change of scenery.Despite his harsh words, Pietersen later showed support for the England team, posting on X:.“Anyway, I hope England can turn on the switch that’s needed to win the Champions Trophy over the next few weeks. I really hope they do, ‘cos I do love the players, and they have so much talent.”.With that, he signed off with a more personal note:.“I’m off to chase sunrises/sunsets with my family on the banks of the South Luangwa River.”.While Pietersen soaks in nature’s beauty in Zambia, England will be hoping to rediscover their rhythm on the shores of Abu Dhabi — because when they land in Pakistan, there will be no room for excuses..Live action on STARZPLAY.STARZPLAY, the leading subscription video-on-demand (SVOD) service in the MENA region, has secured exclusive streaming rights for the Champions Trophy 2025, taking place from February 19 to March 9.Returning after an eight-year hiatus, the tournament will feature eight of the world’s top cricketing nations competing for the trophy and iconic white jacket. This year’s Champions Trophy promises high competition, with Pakistan looking to retain their title against strong opposition. Challengers include India, Australia, New Zealand, England, South Africa, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan, battling it out in the ODI format.
Source: A.K.S. Satish