Tweets Of The Week - KP The Centre Of Attention

Tweets Of The Week - KP The Centre Of Attention

Kevin Pietersen's declaration that he may retire from Tests after the third game against South Africa got plenty of people talking on Twitter

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John Pryor highlights and discusses a range of the most entertaining and controversial tweets of the week by cricketers and cricket pundits. This week's range of subjects includes Kevin Pietersen, Kevin Pietersen, the Olympics and more Kevin Pietersen.

Twitter this week was dominated by reactions to Kevin Pietersen’s controversial statement that the next Test Match at Lord's might well be his final one for England.

Immediate reactions were a mixture of shock and confusion; England Women’s captain Charlotte Edwards (@Lottie2323) tweeted, "Is all the talk about KP retiring true??" and Heather Knight (@Heatherknight55) added, ‏"What's everyone's thoughts on the KP situation? Will lords (sic) be his last test?!”

Shaun Udal (@shaggyudal) and Adam Hollioake (@adamhollioake) took a more opinionated stance. Udal tweeted, "Interesting views on KP most think great player but team comes first which is correct, still say big shame if he does go” while Hollioake mused: “Im a KP fan..but cant help but feel he doesnt do himself any favors.. Theres an old proverb Even a fool is intelligent when he isnt speaking."

Michael Vaughan (@VaughanCricket) provided us with a very frank and straight forward assessment of the situation, befitting a former England captain: "I hope KP un retires himself from ODI cricket...Accepts he can't play all the IPL.. England manage his work load... Simple... Job done… If its not about the money (Which KP said it isn't) then I think it's straight forward... Miss IPL in May and play Tests..."

In comparison Shane Warne (@warne888), a good friend of Pietersen, took the time to defend his mate: "@kevinpp24 Is easily England's best batsmen in all forms of the game.... Big decisions lay ahead !!!!”

It was left to David ‘Bumble’ Lloyd (@Bumblecricket) to add some humour to the whole controversy, he duly started giving odds on who was behind the infamous false Kevin Pietersen Twitter account. 

In other Twitter news Warne took on the abuse aimed at Aussie athletes after their poor performance at the London Olympics, by tweeeting: "A lot of you on twitter are being very sarcastic about Australian athletes I'm proud of every single 1 of them & the way they are competing…All the athletes for that matter have done their best & have trained for 4 years for an event.. I think all Olympic athletes are special !!!”

Meanwhile, Graeme Swann (@Swannyg66) and Ryan Sidebottom (‏@RyanSidebottom) enhanced our Olympic experience by sharing their views on various events, Swanny tweeted, "I assume that if the women steeplechasers fall and get injured they don't get shot like in the grand national? Would add a dimension mind..."

He later added, "I must admit that some of the female athletes in the Olympics have been real head turners. Tonight's shot putters however..."

It would appear that Sidebottom was also in awe of the women’s shot put: "Keith from Belarus is gonna Romp the women's shotput!!! #fitasabutchersdog :))"

While controversy raged around him Kevin Pietersen (@kevinpp24) was happy to share in some light hearted banter with Yuvraj Singh (@YUVSTRONG12). He tweeted, "Oi #piechucker @YUVSTRONG12 , what's your test best bowling??" Singh's retort was well measured, "@kevinpp24 I think aftr ur bowlin yest u should be given the stature of thee piechucker specialy your remarkbl delivery to get hashim amla."

© Cricket World 2012