'Enjoy the bumpy ride' - Kevin Pietersen takes hilarious jibe at Test batters after Ashes opener ends in two days

Published - 22 Nov 2025, 17:00 IST | Updated - 22 Nov 2025, 17:18 IST

The debate around why modern Test matches finish in two or three days has once again broken out, this time after the Ashes 2025 opener in Perth wrapped up inside just two days. Former England captain Kevin Pietersen took a sarcastic dig at current-generation batters, stating that the influence of T20 cricket has deteriorated traditional Test match technique.

The first Ashes Test of the 2025-26 series witnessed 19 wickets fall on Day 1, and Australia completed a chase on Day 2 to seal an eight-wicket win. It recorded the first Ashes Test to end in two days since 1921, raising questions about the quality of batting and adaptability in red-ball cricket. While pitches have frequently taken the blame in recent years, Pietersen spoke about the skillsets of the batters. Pietersen had earlier spoken that modern batters lack the defensive discipline needed in Test cricket. After witnessing the collapse-filled Ashes opener, he further supported his comment.

"Whether it’s a spinning ball or now a fast and bouncy wicket, my tweet from last week rings TRUE again - batters techniques these days are flawed for Test Match cricket. And, like I said, who cares, cos it’s not where their bread is buttered and you can’t blame them! Enjoy the bumpy ride of 6s, 4s, and wickets," he wrote on X.

Whether it’s a spinning ball or now a fast and bouncy wicket, my tweet from last week rings TRUE again - batters techniques these days are flawed for Test Match cricket. And, like I said, who cares, cos it’s not where their bread is buttered and you can’t blame them! Enjoy…

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His comment came after England were rolled over for 172 and 164, lasting barely 197 balls in the first innings, their second-shortest against Australia. Meanwhile, the home team was bundled for 132 on Day 1 before Travis Head’s 123 off 83 balls guided a record-breaking chase of 205 in just 28.2 overs.

Pietersen also pointed out that the issue is global. India faced similar criticism during their recent Test against South Africa. Across teams, patience at the crease has diminished, and fundamentals like leaving the ball, playing late, and adjusting to conditions appear compromised.