KP: Balanced lifestyle needed

2007-07-18 10:26

London - England coach Peter Moores believes a balanced lifestyle, on and off the field, will help prolong Kevin Pietersen's international career.

The South Africa-born batsman recently complained of feeling mentally fatigued having been involved in most of England's matches since making his debut in 2005.

But the 27-year-old's critics have suggested that if the Hampshire shotmaker is tired he could cut down on his lucrative series of commercial endorsements even though Pietersen has been adamant that nothing he does off the field will compromise his readiness to play for England.

"After seeing him this morning he seems okay to me," Moores said of Pietersen at Lord's on Tuesday ahead of the start of the first Test against India on Thursday.

"In my brief time here he's never not been up for the game, he's very intense, a really hard worker and he loves playing the game. I think he does know what he does is a privileged thing, to play for England."

Pietersen, 27, who is due to wed his pop star fiancee Jessica Taylor in December, in addition to the now almost standard deals for an England player of equipment endorsement and a national newspaper column, has several other agreements including one with a watch maker.

Moores said making sure non-cricket activities didn't become a hindrance to his side was something England kept under review.

"It's something we'll continually look at, to get the balance right for the player. It's a fine line. They are in demand because they are in the public eye but we need players who are fresh to play cricket for England.

"We talk to the commercial guys to make sure we get the balance right."

- AFP