Row rumbles on after Kevin Pietersen sacking

English cricket was split down the middle today after Kevin Pietersen was sacked as the fallout from the worst Ashes tour in their history claimed its most high-profile victim.

moreAnd Cannock Cricket Club – where Pietersen had a spell in summer 2000, today had their say over the controversial move.

Pietersen's nine-year international career was effectively ended last night after claims of rifts with team-mates and coaches came to a head.

The secretary and former captain of Cannock, where Pietersen spent the summer of 2000, revealed how the South African-born star's outspoken opinions led to problems in the dressing room.

Laurie Potter, who captained Cannock and Pietersen to the Birmingham League title in 2000, said: "At times he played extremely well and was superb for us, but there were also times where there were issues that needed to be dealt with. Kevin was very driven and very clear on how he wanted to go about his cricket and what he wanted to do on the field, and what was best for Kevin.

"If things weren't going as he wanted them to he was sometimes show his displeasure and make it known how he was feeling. When a player does that it can have a destabilising effect on the team, so that was something we had to deal with."

Pietersen arrived at Cannock from Natal as a teenager and helped the club win the title despite leaving in August, before the end of the season.

But he later criticised the club in his autobiography, even making fun of the Staffordshire accent. Club secretary Graham Machin said today: "At the time Kevin saw himself as more of a bowler than a batsman and Laurie Potter, saw him as a batsman.

"That led to some disagreements at the time and, of course, Laurie has since been proved correct.

"There were some disagreements because Kevin was, and still is, such a strong character but he has been a great cricketer for England."

Pietersen was told yesterday that his England career was effectively over after rumours of disagreements on the ill-fated Ashes tour to Australia.

The 33-year-old said: "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. I will continue to play but deeply regret that it won't be for England."