No way back for Kevin Pietersen now, says former England captain Nasser Hussain
Batsman has burnt his bridges after blistering attack
Nasser Hussain said there was “no way back” for Kevin Pietersen after England’s all-time leading run-scorer launched his autobiography with blistering attacks on wicketkeeper Matt Prior and former coach Andy Flower.
The South Africa-born batsman, axed by England earlier this year after the team’s 5-0 Ashes thrashing in Australia, claimed there had been a “bullying” culture under Flower, but saved his most stinging criticism for Prior, whom he accused of being a “bad influence”.
Former England captain Hussain said he had some sympathy for Pietersen’s views, telling Sky Sports: “It really tells you a lot about team spirit ... always there when you’re winning but always fades away when you’re losing.
“A lot of the stuff I’ve read [from Kevin] this afternoon, I’ve nodded at and agreed with ... about shouting at players in the outfield.
“Team spirit is about respect ... what happened in the end was that the respect had gone, between Kevin and his team-mates.
“Once you lose that respect, and then start losing games of cricket, I’m afraid the wheels can only come off,” added Hussain, who played his last Test in 2004 -- the year before Pietersen made his Test debut.
Pietersen insisted he had not given up hope of playing for England again but Hussain said he could not see how a return was possible, given Pietersen’s outspoken comments about the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and lack of recent form.