Kevin Pietersen's England Career Ends...

The biggest story in sport last week was the news that Kevin Pietersen had been told he would play no further part in the future of the England cricket team.

Pietersen, England's all time leading run-scorer across all cricket formats, was told by the ECB that his international career would end at 33 years old.

ECB managing director Paul Downton said: "The time is right to rebuild not only the team but also the team ethic."

Pietersen responded: "I will continue to play but deeply regret that it won't be for England."

In 104 tests he scored 8,181 runs at an average of 47 per game, as well as 4,440 runs in 136 one-day internationals and 1,176 run in 37 Twenty20 games.

"Playing cricket for my country has been an honour," said South Africa-born Pietersen, who made his England debut in 2004.

"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."

The news comes on the back of England 5-0 Ashes white was by Australia, an series in which Pietersen was heavily criticised for his performances.

Pietersen himself said he was "determined to help regain the Ashes" in England in 2015 and was named in the 30-man provisional squad for the World Twenty20 in Bangladesh,

However, the ECB have agreed "unanimously" that he no longer has a future with England and he will not be included in the squads for the World Twenty20, the tour of the West Indies that begins at the end of the month or be part of their plans going forward. 

Giles Downton who is part of the England management, said: "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.

"However, everyone was aware that there was a need to begin the long-term planning after the Australia tour. Therefore we have decided the time is right to look to the future."

Pietersen is regarded by most as Englands best player - with 23 Test centuries second only to Test captain Alastair Cook in the all time run scorers list - and only size players have played more Tests for England. His first Test series in 2005, saw England win the Ashes for the first time in 18 years, the first of four Ashes triumphs he inspired.

Pietersen has however been a controversial figure, he was appointed captain in 2008 and resigned five months later. The ECB described an "irretrievable breakdown" with then coach Peter Moores, who was later sacked.

During the World Twenty20 tournament in 2010 he was named best player and led England to their first major limited overs trophy.

Another Pietersen controversy occurred during the 2010 Test series against South Africa, he was dropped from the touring party after sending "provocative" text messages to opposition players, for which he had to apologise profusely. He was ignored for the World Twenty20 defence, but added to the India touring party after a successful "integration period".

Although Pietersen's form appears to have taken a dip, the calamity in the Ashes down under was followed by reports of further dressing room divisions. However, Graeme Swann denied Pieterson was the cause of any problems.

ECB managing director Paul Downton said: "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."