Thaindian News

London, Jan 2 (IANS) England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) managing director Hugh Morris will hold urgent talks with captain Kevin Pietersen and coach Peter Moores to resolve a power struggle in the national team.Speculation is rife that Pietersen is even thinking of quitting captaincy five months into the job as relationship between him and Moores has broken down. Morris may have to abandon his planned holiday next week to consult senior figures around the England dressing room.

With England due to leave for a tour to the West Indies in little over three weeks’ time, Morris has to move fast to broker peace.

If he succeeds, it will be an even greater achievement than when he recently persuaded a reluctant England team to finish off their tour to India after the Mumbai terror attacks.

It is thought that Pietersen acknowledges his tactical weaknesses on the field but doubts if Moores can offer adequate support. Moores also suffers from the fact he lacks the international experience as a player or coach that would command respect from Pietersen, The Daily Telegraph reports.

The recent decision to exclude Michael Vaughan from the tour squad for the West Indies is thought to have further strained their relationship although the ECB have been aware of the tension between the pair for some time.

Giles Clarke, the chairman of the ECB, confirmed that he will leave any decision to Morris.

“I have no plans to meet Kevin Pietersen, who I believe is on holiday, or Peter Moores,” said Clarke.

“All team matters are dealt with by Hugh Morris, who is going on holiday soon. There will be a full review of the tour of India, which was a difficult tour in view of what happened before it. I don’t believe this stuff I’m reading about Michael Vaughan.”

Moores, the epitome of the new age coach with his reliance on statistical analysis and modern management speak, has a cricket world view at odds with his captain, the flamboyant and impulsive Pietersen.

Pietersen could well deliver an ultimatum to Morris which will leave the ECB with a major problem. It is a simple fact that there are far more coaches out there than England captains.

If Moores is removed from his position a caretaker coach would have to be appointed for the West Indies tour, a trip that will be far from straightforward. There are options for the ECB. Ashley Giles, the Warwickshire director of cricket, is an England selector and a man keen to coach at international level. Andy Flower and Ottis Gibson, members of Moores’ backroom team, could also step into the breach.