Sangakkara disappointed KP is not around

England

Sri Lanka batsman Kumar Sangakkara has expressed disappointment amid fellow former captain Kevin Pietersen's absence from the England squad for this month's two-Test series at Lord's and Headingley.

Sri Lanka batsman Kumar Sangakkara has expressed disappointment amid fellow former captain Kevin Pietersen's absence from the England squad for this month's two-Test series at Lord's and Headingley.

Labeled a disruptive influence and largely exiled by the England and Wales Cricket Board in the wake of a five-nil series defeat to Australia earlier this year, Pietersen's international career has effectively been ended.

"I've watched him, admired him and he is undoubtedly an out-and-out match-winner. Of course, as an opposition player I'm not disappointed he's not around," Sangakkara told <i>Wisden Extra</i>.

"We know what damage he could have done to us, and the damage he has done to us before. To not have him walk in – that presence he has – is a bit of a relief.

"Having different players, different attitudes, different individuals and bringing that difference into the mix but being able to commit 100 percent to a team cause – that's the beauty of cricket."

The veteran Sangakkara recently enjoyed a brief two-match stint with Durham in Division One of the County Championship. An ineffective start against Yorkshire at Chester-le-Street soon took a backseat to an outstanding century against Sussex at Hove.

"I really enjoyed my time in 2007 with Warwickshire, and Durham have been great. I like the feel of county dressing rooms. There is a huge amount of ability in them, and a huge amount of hunger. Durham have been exceptional in that sense," he concluded.

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