After the Ashes 2025 opening in Perth concluded in barely two days, the argument over why current Test matches end in two or three days has resurfaced. Kevin Pietersen, a former captain of England, made a mocking jab at today’s hitters, claiming that T20 cricket’s influence has weakened traditional Test match technique.
Australia won the first Ashes Test of the 2025–26 series by eight wickets after taking 19 wickets on Day 1. It was the first Ashes Test to conclude in two days since 1921, which raised concerns about red-ball cricket’s batting quality and flexibility. Pietersen talked about the batters’ skill sets, even if pitches have been blamed a lot lately. Pietersen had previously stated that the defensive discipline required for Test cricket is not there in contemporary batsmen. He backed up his remark after seeing the collapse-filled Ashes opening.
“My tweet from last week still holds true: batters’ methods these days aren’t suitable for Test Match cricket, whether it’s a spinning ball or a fast and bouncy surface. You can’t blame them since, as I mentioned, it’s not where their bread is buttered, so who cares? He commented on X, “Enjoy the bumpy ride of wickets, 4s, and 6s.”
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…
— Kevin Pietersen🦏 (@KP24) November 22, 2025
Pietersen goes after batters around the world.
His remarks followed England’s defeat for 172 and 164 in the first innings, which lasted just 197 balls—their second-shortest against Australia. Travis Head’s 123 off 83 balls led a record-breaking chase of 205 in just 28.2 overs after the host team was bundled for 132 on Day 1.
Pietersen further noted that the problem is worldwide. Similar criticism was levelled against India during their most recent Test match against South Africa. Fundamentals like leaving the ball, playing late, and adapting to conditions seem weakened, while patience at the crease has decreased across all sides.
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