Australian Test captain Michael Clarke has claimed that it is a mistake to ignore English batsman Kevin Pietersen for the summer’s Ashes 2015.
England will be weaker without Kevin Pietersen, the 34-year-old claimed as he prepared for the Ashes in England starting in July 8.
“There’s probably two sides for me – there is the personal side where obviously I feel for KP [Pietersen] because I get on well with him and I would love to see him back playing cricket for England,” Clarke said at a media conference at Sydney Airport.
“His form has been outstanding, he’s still a great player, I know he still wants to play so I feel for him on that side.
“On the other side, we go there soon to play against England. Any team without Kevin Pietersen in it, I don’t think is as strong.”
The most controversial batsman was sacked by ECB last year following a 5-0 defeat to Australia.
However Pietersen was told last week by Andrew Strauss, who is a director of cricket, that the 34-year-old will not be playing for the country again due to “trust” issues with players and the management.
The Aussies will be looking for their first Ashes win away from home since 2001 when they meet England in Cardiff on July 8.
