Clarke believes England vulnerable without Pietersen

Australian captain Michael Clarke has rubbed further salt on England's cricket wide open wounds saying that the England team would be vulnerable in the upcoming Ashes tour in the absence of Kevin Pietersen.

Clarke said that the 'controversial' star batsman is still in his career-best form, adding that Australia would be relieved by his absence in the Ashes, News.com.au reported

He added that Pietersen's form has been outstanding and he is still a great player.

Clarke also insisted that he 'feels' for Pietersen and would love to see him back playing for England.

The maverick South Africa born batsman was sacked from the England team last year following the 2014-15 trip to Australia during which he was accused of being detached from the team as the tourists suffered a humiliating 5-0 defeat.

In the recent turn of events, Pietersen was again rejected for making a comeback to the England team despite scoring 355 not out for Surrey against Leicestershire in the County Championship, by the newly appointed England's Cricket director, Andrew Strauss.