Pietersen exits IPL as Clarke makes debut
England batting star Kevin Pietersen flew home on Wednesday after a
highly successful stint in the Indian Premier League as Australia
captain Michael Clarke made his debut in the Twenty20 tournament.
Pietersen, who left midway through the league to prepare for
England's home series against the West Indies, scored 305 runs at an
average of 61.00 in his first season with the Delhi Daredevils.
He played eight matches for the top-of-the table side, featuring a
brilliant innings of 103 not out off 64 balls against the Deccan
Chargers on April 19.
Pietersen, who had in the past played for Royal Challengers
Bangalore, will miss the last six league matches.
"Sad day leaving India today," the England star tweeted. "Will be
back soon. Special thanks to Delhi Daredevils. And another thank you to
the people of India.
Clarke, who had shunned the four previous editions of the cash-rich
tournament, signed up with the Pune Warriors this year for an
undisclosed amount to play after Australia's recent tour of the West
Indies.
The Australian skipper shrugged off jetleg after the long journey
from the Caribbean to strike 41 off 31 balls on Tuesday night, but could
not prevent Pune from suffering a 13-run loss at the hands of
bottom-placed Deccan Chargers in Cuttack.
Clarke has six more league games to help Pune, led by former India
captain Sourav Ganguly, finish among the top four in the nine-team
competition and qualify for the play-offs.
AFP
|