The Ashes 2017-18: Kevin Pietersen savages James Anderson and Jake Ball after England’s First Test defeat
Former England star said speedster Anderson did not perform at all and that debutant Ball is simply not good enough at this level
KEVIN PIETERSEN slammed England stars Jimmy Anderson and Jake Ball after the First Test defeat at the Gabba.
Joe Root's men suffered a ten-wicket hammering that capped off 24 hours from hell after Jonny Bairstow's alleged headbutt incident.
But for former England batsman Pietersen, the off-pitch distraction was just the start of a monumental downfall.
And KP picked out bowlers Anderson and Ball for particular criticism after Root's men were "absolutely smashed" in the opener following a promising start.
Speaking on BT Sport, ex-England skipper Pietersen said: "The concern is the tail of England, it didn't wag.
"The concern is top order, nobody seemed to be able to play the short ball well. You want to score runs in Australia you have got to play the short ball well.
"Concerns over [Jimmy] Anderson, did he produce in this Test match? No he didn't.
"Is Jake Ball any good? I don't think so. Not at this level. Not in Australia, from what I've just seen.
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"Especially with the hype leading into this match, about him wanting to make the Test match and him playing this Test match.
"The cut on Moeen Ali's finger. There are concerns, there are issues.
"If they [England] go down in Adelaide, well, this is going to be a long trip.
"There are a lot of issues. I'm not going to stand here and say everything's bright and breezy in that dressing room.
"They were competing up to the middle of day two but they've been absolutely smashed."
Pietersen is also adamant Mason Crane should get the call up to replace Ball in Adelaide next week.
He added: "I'd make a change. I wouldn't play Ball in the next test match, absolutely not. Absolutely no chance.
"Mason Crane I'd play. I know it's under lights but it gives that variation of a leg spin bowler. One spinning away, one spinning in.
"Moeen Ali, we've got an issue with his finger. Do you want Joe Root bowling all the overs? No, I don't think you do. You've got to get another spinner in there.