From Anshul, Singapore

Often the most rebellious students turn out to be discipline masters. Kevin Pietersen could be one of them. Sample this: "This game has obviously come at a very difficult time in terms of what's happening in the world and I want 100% respect for that, so there won't be any nonsense happening in and around and after the game and I will be really angry if it does happen," Pietersen said. The man has decent intentions, but whats with the chiding?

On evidence of his yet-short captaincy, KP comes across as a man who can get his pack to follow him. Against the 'Saffers' they did as he bid. But this sort of stuff - it reminds me of my 6th grade teacher (I'm sorry Mrs. Luke!) who was a regular at sending jitters down my spine.

Is KP, the unabashed rockstar, trying to doctor his team's reaction? Does he expect a Swann or a Sidebottom to play it cool when they win the only million-dollar lottery they ever had any odds at? And what if Strauss goes ballistic should Middlesex win? Will Pietersen drop him into the Bermuda triangle on the flight to India because he was really angry? I exaggerate but it helps make me my point. I hope Pietersen was doing the same.