UK media express mixed views over Pietersen's 'surprising' sacking by ECB

The English media has expressed mixed views over the England and Wales Cricket Board's (ECB) decision to end the international career of batsman Kevin Pietersen after axing him from the squads for the ODIs against West Indies and the World T20.

The ECB's decision to part ways with Pietersen, their best batsman of the modern era, has revealed the long-standing chasm that has existed between Pietersen and England's team hierarchy.

According to News.com.au, The Telegraph said that the decision to sack Pietersen was surprising given that coach-elect Ashley Giles had been lauding his abilities with the bat earlier this week, adding that it was a bold decision to get rid of Pietersen permanently and shows the depth of the despair some in power must have reached.

The paper further said that to remove the 'one batsman with the flair and imagination to change the game quickly' means there must be serious disconnect between Pietersen and those that either run the team or comprise it, adding that Pietersen would now never realise his full potential as an international batsman.

The Daily Mail said the decision of Andy Flower to stand down as coach of England's Test team had opened the door for a reprieve for Pietersen, adding that remains to be seen now is whether the ECB distorts the reasons for his omission or come clean on the whole story of a brilliant batsmen who has fallen out with the powers that be wherever has gone.

However, BBC was saddened by the turn of events, saying that it is necessary to draw a line especially after England has been utterly dismantled, hammered this winter, although it added that Pietersen's 'baggage' was part of the reason that England have felt it was time to move on.

Meanwhile, The Independent said that Pietersen has left a trail of destruction with every major team he has represented, adding that the player's talent on the pitch is matched only by his ability to attract enmity off it.

The paper further said that Pietersen's 'rollercoaster ride' with his adopted country will be best remembered, adding that his 'age and previous bust-ups left his position weaker than ever and a modest return with the bat this winter, coupled with yet more reports of internal discord, led to his ultimate demise'.