Boycott accuses 'struggling' Pietersen of 'being in his own world' during Ashes

Former England captain Geoff Boycott has cast doubt on the Test future of a 'self-absorbed' Kevin Pietersen as Australia set their sights on taking the lead in a 'best-of-10' Ashes marathon in the Boxing Day Test, according to reports.

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, though the Melbourne Test is a dead rubber, Australian opener Chris Rogers has revealed the home side freshened up its motivation to extend its 3-0 series lead by including the recent 3-0 defeat in England in the scoreline.

One of the key battles Australia has won is with Pietersen, who is averaging 27.5 in the series, the report said.

In a column, the outspoken Boycott drew attention to the exceptional batsman's irresponsible dismissals and said England coach Andy Flower should give his cricket board an ultimatum, 'either he goes or I go', the report added.

Boycott said that perhaps both should go after this series and England should start afresh building a new team under a new boss ready for the 2015 Ashes, adding that Pietersen should just play in one-dayers leading up to and including the World Cup, where he can express himself with his risky and outrageous shots.

He also said England management had indulged Pietersen because of his match-winning capabilities, the report mentioned.