Pietersen is ‘very sad’ as England call time on his inclusion

Kevin Pietersen’s international career is over after nine turbulent years, with England’s management deciding unanimously that their relationship with the 33-year-old has run its course.
Kevin Pietersen has indicated his England career is over after the England and Wales Cricket Board left him out of the squads for the tour of the Caribbean later this month and ICC World Twenty20 in March.Kevin Pietersen has indicated his England career is over after the England and Wales Cricket Board left him out of the squads for the tour of the Caribbean later this month and ICC World Twenty20 in March.
Kevin Pietersen has indicated his England career is over after the England and Wales Cricket Board left him out of the squads for the tour of the Caribbean later this month and ICC World Twenty20 in March.

With squads to be named tomorrow for the forthcoming tour of the West Indies and the World Twenty20, the England and Wales Cricket Board was forced to confront the thorny issue of Pietersen’s future earlier than it might have liked, and the verdict – announced by new managing director Paul Downton – was a decisive one.

Pietersen was told he would not be picked for the next two trips and no leeway was left for a change of heart; instead, Downton delivered a eulogy to the star batsman’s England career and, in the process, a definitive end to it.

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Whoever takes over from the departed Andy Flower as team director will now begin the job minus one of England’s best ever batsman, but also relieved of the job’s most persistent headache.

Flower, whose relationship with Pietersen reportedly reached breaking point during the 5-0 Ashes whitewash this winter, was among those who had his say on the subject, along with one-day coach Ashley Giles, captain Alastair Cook and national selector James Whitaker.

But Downton, who has been reviewing England’s cricket operations for over a month despite formally starting only a matter of days ago, led the process that resulted in Pietersen’s demise and will take any plaudits or brickbats that come with it.

Downton’s words, while generous in terms of Pietersen’s contribution over the years, also included a pointed reference to rebuilding “not only the team but also team ethic and philosophy” – a clear reference to the batsman’s perceived shortcomings around the group.

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The player himself has accepted his England days are over, after 104 Tests, 136 one-day internationals, 37 T20 internationals and four Ashes victories, but spoke mournfully of the decision.

“Playing cricket for my country has been an honour. Every time I pulled on the England shirt was a moment of huge pride for me and that is something that will live with me forever,” he said.

“Although I am obviously very sad the incredible journey has come to an end, I’m also hugely proud of what we, as a team, have achieved over the past nine years.

“I feel extremely fortunate to have played at a time of great success for England cricket.”

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