'Too many Counties' - Kevin Pietersen calls out county system as England gets folded for 147 in Ashes opener

Former England captain Kevin Pietersen has called out the county structure following the team’s performance in the first innings of Ashes 2021-22 opener. Electing to bat first at the Gabba in Brisbane, the Three Lions couldn’t tackle the Australian pacers and got skittled out for a paltry 147. While many members of the cricket fraternity criticized the visiting team, Pietersen reckons England’s First-Class structure should be blamed for the team’s dismal show.

While the Three Lions have emerged as a formidable force in white-ball cricket in recent years, their performance in the longest format hasn’t been up to the mark. England’s inability to produce quality youngsters has been seen as the major reason behind the side’s downfall in the purest format. Pietersen also has a similar perspective on the matter.

He said that the county system in England has been flawed for a long time now and is not good enough to produce world-class batters. “147 all out. Please don’t blame the players for not being good enough. The county system is completely flawed & WILL NOT produce enough tough & high-quality batters. I’ve said this for years now – TOO MANY COUNTIES,” tweeted Pietersen after the conclusion of the day’s play.

147 all out.
Please don’t blame the players for not being good enough.
The county system is completely flawed & WILL NOT produce enough tough & high quality batters.
I’ve said this for years now – TOO MANY COUNTIES!

— Kevin Pietersen🦏 (@KP24) December 8, 2021

The standard of county cricket has gone down: Kevin Pietersen

Kevin Pietersen further explained that the evolution of T20 cricket has played a massive role in the downfall of county cricket. The 41-year-old asserted that the youngsters don’t get proper grooming in the First-Class circuit as most of the senior players prefer franchise cricket than county games.

“Since the inception of franchise T20 cricket, the standard of county cricket has gone down.
Main reason – the best internationals are playing T20 rather than taking pounds in CC.
Work less, paid more. Knock on effect is that CC standard has dropped considerably,” wrote Pietersen in other tweets.

Since the inception of franchise T20 cricket, the standard of county cricket has gone down.
Main reason – the best internationals are playing T20 rather than taking pounds in CC.
Work less, paid more.
Knock on effect is that CC standard has dropped considerably.

— Kevin Pietersen🦏 (@KP24) December 8, 2021

Meanwhile, Pietersen didn’t really have great expectations from the Joe Root-led side. Even before the opening game, the talismanic batter had stated that new Aussie skipper Pat Cummins has every chance of getting the glory.

“It’s difficult to know how [Pat Cummins] will go as captain because bowlers so rarely take charge in Test cricket. Will he over bowl or under bowl himself? How much will he lean on other senior players? I think there’s every chance that he’ll be lifting the urn as an Ashes-winning captain in a few weeks’ time,” Pietersen was quoted as saying by Sportskeeda.