Adams slams Pietersen's 'tired' excuses

[King]

Cricket: Kevin Pietersen's claim that fatigue is to blame for his poor recent form is 'nonsense', according to former England batsman Chris AdamsMore... Adams slams Pietersen's 'tired' excuses Last updated at 22:32pm on 14th July 2007 Kevin Pietersen's claim that fatigue is to blame for his poor recent form is "nonsense", according to former England batsman Chris Adams. The Sussex captain, who has played five Tests and one-day internationals for his country, believes the explosive batsman's stance could have a negative impact on his team-mates when they begin the Test series with India next week. And Adams is certain that such complaints would never be heard from Australia's top players at such a crucial time. "I read this week that Kevin Pietersen claims to be feeling fatigued and I couldn't help but cringe. I'm sorry, but that's nonsense," he said in his column in The Independent. "That statement just applies more pressure on him and his team-mates and creates a get-out if he doesn't have a very good series against India. "Test cricket is tough, it's meant to be, it's not a place for the faint-hearted. "Can you imagine Shane Warne, Steve Waugh or Ricky Ponting saying 'my form is suffering because I'm playing too much' in the build-up to an important series? It wouldn't happen." Pietersen made his claim after enduring a poor time against the West Indies in England's recent series defeat. But Adams believes now is the time for him to rediscover his form, rather than find excuses. He added: "It's the last thing England need from their number one player. "It could be catastrophic for morale. Imagine lining up alongside him next week for England, thinking, 'well, he's not 100% ready or up for this'. "It is the time he should get his head down and show why he is the number one player in the squad."