KP Gets The Axe

Days into his new job position (officially), Paul Downton had to make a decision that would change the dynamics of our England squad as we know it today, that could take out possibly the best batsman England have ever had. 

The ECB managing director has already had to deal with Andy Flower's decision to step down from his post as technical director - something that was out of his control.

Kevin Pietersen is something he can control. Or maybe he decided that he couldn't and that is why he gave him the axe earlier this evening.

Downton spoke out about his decision some May find controversial; "The time is right to rebuild not only the team but also the team ethic."

England's MD clearly referring to several scandals that KP has been at the heart of.

His public fallout with, England coach at the time, Peter Moores that led to both men stepping down from their roles - which for Pietersen meant leaving his short-lived ODI captaincy, lasting all of 39 days. 

It was clear to many that the dressing room was split on who they sided with, creating the first cracks in a united England squad and signs of strain in the dressing room. Alec Stewart said, "it's very difficult to go back into a dressing room when you know you haven't got the full backing of everyone in there."

Next was the texting scandal with the South Africans mid-series. As the media plastered the story across front covers of newspapers for weeks, Strauss commented saying, "how things have worked out over the last couple of weeks hasn't been ideal for anybody" as Pietersen was dropped in the summer of 2012 from the England squad because of his refusal to clarify the situation regarding these texts - rumoured to have been defamatory towards both Strauss and Flower. 

In October 2012, ECB spoke of KP's possible return to the England squad after Pietersen held a press conference saying, "we have drawn a line under it and it is time to move forward."

He was controversially included in the test squad that successfully toured India, under Cook's watch, scoring a test century and two fifties. 

Paul Downton did, however, sing his praises and wish him the best for his future in cricket, "Clearly this was a tough decision because Kevin has been such an outstanding player for England, as the fact that he is the country's leading run-scorer in international cricket demonstrates.

England cricket owes a debt of gratitude to Kevin, who has proved to be one of the most talented and exciting players to ever represent the country and his 13,797 runs are a testimony to his immense skill. This decision brings some clarity now for the future of the England teams and we all wish Kevin the very best in the rest of his career."

Kevin Pietersen spoke his piece regarding what looks to be his removal from the England squad. "I will continue to play but deeply regret that it won't be for England. Playing cricket for my country has been an honour, every time I pulled on the England shirt was a moment of huge pride for me and that is something that will live with me forever. 

Although I am obviously very sad the incredible journey has come to an end, I'm also hugely proud of what we, as a team, have achieved over the past nine years. I believe I have a great deal still to give as a cricketer."

But Pietersen did have several high points of his career. He was given player of the series in the 2010 ICC World Twenty20 for his efforts with the bat after he scored 47 off 31 in a partnership with Kieswetter of 111 in the final against Australia - among other high scores that helped England get there. 

But we all know Pietersen had one true low point in his England cricket career: his hair. That god-awful bleached mohawk!

At the end of the day "a game of cricket, is just a game of cricket" or so says KP - at least now the man can play in the IPL til his heart's content. 

Ball on Willow.