I WAS not shocked to hear the news that Kevin Pietersen was axed from England's next two tours - thus effectively ruling him out of the team for good.

The recent Australian tour was an utter embarrassment, with many people saying that some senior members have "had their day."

England did not just lose the Ashes - they pretty much handed it to the Aussies - and had no answer to the ruthlessness that Michael Clarke's team showed.

However, it may surprise some of you that Pietersen was actually England's top run scorer during the five Tests.

And, of course no other England player in history has scored more runs than KP in all forms of the game.

Pietersen is one of those players that divides opinion.

There is no disputing his talent, but there have been reports that he causes discontent in the dressing room and can be a "selfish" player that puts his own needs before his teammates.

He was infamously dropped from the England set-up in 2012 after he sent text messages to South African pair AB de Villiers and Dale Steyn that reportedly belittled then England captain Andrew Strauss.

Pietersen was eventually allowed back into the team following a "reintegration" period.

So, what has he done that’s so wrong this time round, resulting in him being axed?

He is that difficult to manage?

Pietersen is still only 33, and despite some emerging young players, is still, in my opinion, England's best player.

When he is at the top of his game, is his pure box-office.

Yes, the way he was dismissed in some of the Ashes Tests in the winter was "bizarre", but he was not the only player to play below his normal standards.

Pietersen was integral to England winning four Ashes series and the T20 World Cup.

Do you really just dismiss him now after one bad series?

Some people may say that there are only so many chances you can give a player and, of course, I don't know if Pietersen caused any discontent amongst captain Alistair Cook and the England selectors.

All I know is that he is still a richly talented cricketer and it's a shame that his England career has ended the way it has.

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