Pietersen’s agony after England axe
AXED batsman Kevin Pietersen last night revealed his sorrow at having played his final match for England.
The 33-year-old learned in a meeting with the England and Wales Cricket Board that he would not be considered for the forthcoming one-day international and Twenty20 series’ against West Indies, or the World T20 tournament in Bangladesh, bringing the curtain down on a colourful international career.
Pietersen said: “I believe I have a great deal still to give as a cricketer. I will continue to play but deeply regret that it won’t be for England.
“Although I am obviously very sad the incredible journey has come to an end, I am also hugely proud of what we, as a team, have achieved over the past nine years. Playing cricket for my country has been an honour.”
In 104 Test matches and 173 limited-overs games Pietersen amassed 13,797 runs – more than any other to pull on the England whites.
Yet he has been the subject of staunch criticism from senior figures within the game recently, including former England captains Geoffrey Boycott and David Gower.
Pietersen captained England for three Tests in 2008, but resigned following a row with coach Peter Moores who was sacked.
The Surrey batsman also came under-fire in 2012 after it emerged he had sent text messages criticising his England team-mates, including then-captain Andrew Strauss, to players in the South Africa team, leading him to be dropped during the series between the pair.
PIETERSEN PROFILE
■ England’s highest-ever scorer with 13,797 runs
■ Made 23 centuries in 104 Test matches
■ Member of four Ashes’ winning squads
■ Captained England from August 2008 to January 2009