What Next For England?

This Friday, Kevin Pietersen faces perhaps his toughest test so far as England captain.

He will lead England out against an Indian team that are still buoyant from the 2-0 test series victory against Australia. Not only this but they will be competing in a form of the game which is widely considered to be the Indians strongest suit.

Food for thought then, for Pietersen, a phrase surprisingly apt considering his part in the TV advert promoting the tour. After the 124 run defeat to Mumbai President's XI, it looks like a hot curry is the last of his worries. England, despite what looks to be significant progress under Pietersen still have one age old problem. They are vulnerable to the most surprising and spectacular batting collapses.

The theory behind this has been put down by many as lack of match practice. I think I've heard this before, and it would appear to be true. A handful of warm-up games is no way to prepare for a series against one of the most powerful cricketing nations in the world. Especially as the series takes place in their own back yard. The ECB have been guilty of poor planning such as this many times before and don't seem to have learn their lesson. It isn't viable simply from a professional point of view, let alone international level.

If the problem isn't dealt with quickly, England will continue to struggle on tour for many a year. Should that happen, Pietersen's aspirations of establishing England as the leading force in world cricket will simply be a pipedream.