Waugh: England should forget about KP

Former Australia captain Steve Waugh feels England should not recall exiled batsman Kevin Pietersen to the national side, saying that the South Africa-born player is no longer a great player.
Pietersen has not played for the England since controversially being axed from the team after the 2013/2014 Ashes tour to Australia, which England lost five-nil, because he was allegedly a bad influence in the dressing room.
The 34 year-old has said that he wants to get back in the into international cricket and was encouraged by new ECB chairman Colin Graves who said Pietersen can only earn a recall if he scores enough runs in county cricket.
Waugh, who is one of the cricket's greatest captains, said England should forget about KP and look to bring through younger players.
In quotes published by the Daily Mirror newspaper, Waugh said: "England have got to make a clean break and look forward to the future. Sometimes you have to have short-term pain to get the long-term gain.
"I don't think he's a great player right now. Setting aside all the other things, I don't think his form warranted a spot in the England side. He may have been a great player but I wouldn't class him as one now.
"First, he has to be one of the best six batsmen in the country, which he's not. Then is he right for the current set-up?
"Does he fit in how the team is moving forward? Can he work with the captain and other players? Obviously there have been some issues. That's part of the reason why he's not there now."
Latest
-
News
Craig Overton claims 400th first-class wicket in Somerset-Hampshire clash
The England seamer’s three-wicket burst left the contest delicately balanced at the halfway stage.
-
News
Three positive Covid tests confirmed in New Zealand’s tour party
Batter Henry Nicholls, seamer Blair Tickner and bowling coach Shane Jurgensen will self-isolate for five days.
-
News
Zak Crawley outdone by Ben Compton as Kent start strongly at Northamptonshire
Opener Compton stole the show with an unbeaten 125.
-
News
Mark Wood admits frustration over slow progress from elbow surgery
Wood is targeting a Test return towards the back end of the summer.
-
News
McCullum hopes ‘attractive brand of Test cricket’ can see red-ball game thrive
New head coach Brendon McCullum is looking to transform England’s fortunes.
-
News
Effects of lockdown on bowlers may be playing part in spate of stress fractures
In the past week Jofra Archer, Saqib Mahmood and Matthew Fisher have all been ruled out for the season with lower back injuries.
-
News
Ben Stokes to be subject of Amazon documentary created by Sam Mendes
The 30-year-old will open up on his World Cup and Headingley heroics as well as his off-the-field troubles.
-
News
Jofra Archer setback adds to England’s fast bowling injury crisis
Saqib Mahmood, Jofra Archer and Matthew Fisher have all been ruled out for the season this week.
-
News
England bowler Jofra Archer sidelined for the summer after injury setback
Archer has suffered a stress fracture of the lower back.
-
News
Paul Farbrace: Che Simmons may play for England after signing Warwickshire deal
The 18-year-old has signed a three-year contract.