adminFormer England batsman Kevin Pietersen says Matt Prior was a disruptive influence on the team and that ex-coach Andy Flower “ruled by fear”. Speaking for the first time about his sacking by England in February, Pietersen told the Daily Telegraph he was “marginalised and demonised”. The 34-year-old’s new book is released on Thursday.
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said it was “impossible” to comment as it had not seen the book.
The ECB added: “The publishers have declined to provide us with a copy before the official release date.”
Pietersen scored 8,181 runs at an average of 47 in 104 Tests and captained England in three Tests.
The South Africa-born batsman’s England career was ended following a February meeting with the ECB which also involved captain Alastair Cook.
Following the 5-0 Ashes defeat in Australia, Pietersen was told he was no longer part of the national team’s plans and had his central contract terminated.
At the time, ECB managing director Paul Downton said: “The time is right to rebuild not only the team but also the team ethic.”
Part of the termination of his contract included a confidentiality agreement covering all parties, which expired at the end of September.
Pietersen accused Flower and some senior players of overseeing “a bullying culture” in the England dressing room where players were forced to apologise if they dropped a catch or made mistakes in the field.
“He built a regime, he didn’t build a team. He was the boss. He wanted me to fear him,” said Pietersen.
Sussex wicketkeeper Prior, who is currently sidelined with an Achilles injury after taking a break from international cricket, received some of Pietersen’s strongest criticism.
He objected to 32-year-old Prior’s portrayal as a “team man” and claimed “a lot of people are very happy” the former vice-captain no longer has a central contract.
Prior tweeted: “Obviously sad to see the accusations against me this am and I WILL have my right of reply!
“However today is not the day and Twitter is not the place for it! Now back to my Achilles rehab and learning to walk again!”
Pietersen offered support to Cook, who came under heavy criticism this summer and survived calls for him to be removed as skipper.
“I’ve got great admiration for him,” said Pietersen. “I hate to see the way he was this summer.
“The ECB have put him in a very uncomfortable position and they could ruin his career.” — BBC Sport
Online Reporter