Pietersen must show pride in playing or retire: Smith

South African-born former Hampshire and England cricketer Robin Smith has asked Kevin Pietersen to retire if he is not proud or passionate enough to enjoy the game of cricket.

Smith said Pietersen should consider that people will remember the good innings he played rather than continuing to play for too long, and added people often remember the end of a palyer's career.

England is suffering from a divisive team culture with growing speculation that team director Andy Flower wants Pietersen out of a unit that must rebuild before the 2015 Ashes.

Pietersen missed the Ashes warm up games, and went out on a late night drinking session before the second Test in Adelaide.

Smith, who made 4336 runs at 43.7 from 1988-96, said no-one is bigger than the game, and, if Pietersen is not contributing to the success of the team and dressing room unity, then his position in the team should be challenged, News.com.au reports.

Pietersen's position in the team is in danger after averaging just 29 in the recent Ashes series.

Smith said Pietersen is a great player, but in this series, he had not performed well.

Smith believes Flower should remain England coach despite a 5-0 loss to Australia that snapped a run of three successive Ashes victories.